What your gums say about your blood sugar (HbA1c)
Do You Know? For patients.
Gum disease and diabetes affect each other in both directions. This is one of the best-studied links between the mouth and the rest of the body.
The two-way link
People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and it tends to be more severe when blood sugar is poorly controlled.
People with gum disease (periodontitis) have higher HbA1c levels on average and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Treating gum disease is safe in people with diabetes and has been linked to a modest fall in HbA1c, around 0.3 to 0.5% after three months.
Signs to look out for
Bleeding when brushing
Red or swollen gums
Bad breath that does not go away
Teeth that feel loose or have started to move
If you have diabetes, a gum check should be part of your routine care. If your gums bleed often and you have not had your blood sugar checked, it is worth asking your doctor.
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This article is general information and not a substitute for an examination.
Reference
Sanz M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: consensus report and guidelines of the IDF and EFP. J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(2):138-149. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12808
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