Awareness of Periodontal Risk in Patients with Diabetes

Diabetes Centres have a key role in providing information to patients with diabetes, including advice on glycaemic control, prevention of complications, foot care and screening for retinopathy, yet Clerehugh et al (2003) showed that only 40% of members of the 17 Paediatric Diabetes Care Teams in Yorkshire (including Consultants, Dieticians, Diabetes Nurses) knew of the association between diabetes control and periodontal diseases; <10% included oral advice/screening in annual diabetes reviews. Therefore some patients may be unaware that diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal diseases, which has potential implications for the 1.8million with diabetes in the UK.

Objectives: To assess the awareness of patients with diabetes about links between diabetes and periodontal diseases.

Methods: Adult patients attending a Regional Diabetes Outpatients Clinic, teenagers attending the Adolescent Diabetes Clinic and parents accompanying children attending the Paediatric Diabetes Centre were surveyed by questionnaire during June/July 2004. Questionnaires included details of: age; gender; type of diabetes; knowledge of possible complications of diabetes; source of information; referrals for specialist care; awareness of links between diabetes/gum problems; dental attendance. Analysis was performed using SPSS and descriptive data presented.

Results: 105 questionnaires were completed, 52 from adults (mean age 56.4y; 48% Type 1 diabetes, 40% Type 2, 12 % unsure) and 53 from the younger groups (94.3% Type 1, 5.7% Type 2). There was most awareness of foot complications (92% of adults, 81.1% adolescents/parents) and eye problems (84.6% of adults, 73.6% adolescents/parents) and low awareness of periodontal problems (21.2% of adults, 24.5% adolescents/parents) and links to diabetes control - even in adults reporting 6-monthly dental attendance. Most adults cited their GMP (75%) or Diabetes Specialist (69.2%) as their major source of information whereas young patients/parents got most information from their Diabetes Specialist (81.1%), not their GMP (32.1%).

Conclusion: Diabetes patients have low awareness of periodontal risk.