Title: Study Finds Strong Association between Chewing Ability and Blood Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Subtitle: Dental health emerges as a crucial factor in managing diabetes
Date: [Current Date]
A recent study conducted by researcher Mehmet A. Eskan at the University at Buffalo has shed light on the significant impact of chewing functionality on blood glucose levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The findings emphasize the crucial role of oral health in diabetes management and underscore the importance of dental care in controlling the condition.
The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, analyzed data from 94 T2D patients who had visited an outpatient clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The patients were divided into two groups based on their chewing ability. The first group consisted of patients with good “occlusal function,” meaning they had sufficient teeth allowing for proper chewing. This group exhibited significantly lower blood glucose levels, with an average of 7.48. In contrast, the second group, comprised of individuals with impaired or no chewing ability due to missing teeth, had a blood glucose level of 9.42 – almost 2% higher.
Eskan’s research demonstrated that chewing stimulates processes that contribute to reduced blood glucose levels. Chewing promotes the production of saliva, aids digestion, and assists in the absorption of essential nutrients such as fiber. Additionally, chewing has been found to trigger reactions in the intestine and hypothalamus, leading to increased insulin secretion and a feeling of satiety, resulting in less food intake. Reducing food intake plays a vital role in preventing weight gain, a major risk factor for developing T2D.
Eskan, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics at the School of Dental Medicine, emphasizes the need for medical practitioners to consider their T2D patients’ oral health. The study’s results highlight the strong association between mastication (chewing) and controlling blood glucose levels. Addressing oral health has become an integral part of diabetes management along with maintaining a healthy weight, following a nutritious diet, and quitting smoking.
According to Eskan, an increase of just 1% in blood glucose levels is associated with a 40% rise in cardiovascular or ischemic heart disease mortality among individuals with diabetes. Moreover, other complications such as kidney disease, eye damage, neuropathy, and impaired wound healing can arise from uncontrolled blood glucose levels.
The study also showcased the potential benefits of improving occlusal function through dental implants and appropriate fixed restorations. A case study of a T2D patient with severely impaired chewing function due to missing teeth revealed a significant improvement in blood glucose levels after treatment with a full mouth implant-supported fixed restoration. The patient’s glucose level dropped from 9.1 to 7.8 after four months, and further decreased to 6.2 after 18 months.
Eskan and co-author Yeter E. Bayram, MD, from the Department of Internal Medicine at Hamidiye Sisli Etfal Education and Research Hospital in Istanbul, anticipate further studies to explore potential causal relationships between occlusal support and blood glucose levels.
As of 2019, nearly half a billion people worldwide are estimated to have diabetes, with Type 2 diabetes being the most common form. These findings present a valuable opportunity for medical professionals to integrate dental care into the comprehensive management of diabetes, highlighting the significance of oral health in improving overall health outcomes.