Dentist in White Bear Lake MN Shares: How Oral Bacteria Lowers the Risk of Diabetes?

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of deaths each year in the entire world. Despite the numerous advances that have been made to cure and event prevent this illness, the number of afflicted continue to grow by the day.

A recent study by the Vanderbilt University discovers a groundbreaking correlation between diabetes and the oral microbiome. Some oral bacteria are said to reduce the risk of this systemic disease.

Periodontal diseases are said to be related to a higher risk of diabetes. Patients that were successfully treated for periodontal diseases have better glycemic control. Meanwhile, patients who have untreated diabetes show to have more periodontitis. This is what birthed the idea that systemic inflammation is the one that links oral diseases and diabetes.

An apparent decrease in risk of type 2 diabetes has been observed by the researchers when there is an abundance of Actinobacteria. This is solidified by their findings during the analyzation of biological samples gathered prior being diagnosed with diabetes.

Actinomyces and Atopobium were particularly linked with decreased risk of diabetes for about 66% to 72%. It is also evident that Actinobacteria were less copious in obese nondiabetic samples than those in the normal weight category.

What is Actinomyces?

It is an enduring infection that triggers abscesses or sores in our body’s soft tissues. Actinomycosis usually exists in the throat, nose, stomach, intestines, lungs, and mouth. There has been little to no case of this bacteria existing in other parts of the body. Conversely, it is not contagious, but it can spread from the original area that is infected to other parts of the body.

The study entitled, “Association of Oral Microbiome with Type 2 Diabetes Risk,” published in the Journal of Periodontal Research was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and Vanderbilt University’s Department of Medicine. The researchers arrived at a conclusion that there is a significant link between the oral microbiome and diabetes. Overcoming these bacteria might be another breakthrough in combating diabetes.