Can Pathogenic Oral Bacteria Induce Type 2 Diabetes?

This article investigates whether there is a causal link between pathogenic oral bacteria, like those implicated in periodontal disease, and type 2 diabetes.

“Does periodontal disease cause type 2 diabetes? Diabetes has long been a risk factor for periodontal disease; new research may point to reverse causation.” Endocrine Today, November 2008

“Periodontal disease and diabetes are both associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory and a decrease in antiinflammatory cytokines, according to Stuart Weiss, MD, assistant clinical professor of endocrinology at the NYU School of Medicine.

“‘This is likely how diabetes and periodontal disease are related and how they are seen in association with other conditions, including CVD,’ Weiss said.

“Endocrinologists need to make patients understand that good dental care is very important and encourage good and aggressive oral hygiene.”