ENDODONTIC IMPLICATIONS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disease, characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or insulin action. More than 537 million people are suffering from the disease worldwide (IDF) and it is likely to increase up to 643 million by 2025. India, has the largest number of diabetic patients in the world and has been infamously known as the “Diabetic capital of the world.” The results of the J. J. Segura et al (2005) shows that the prevalence of Apical periodontitis in diabetic patients is significantly higher than in control subjects. Therefore, it is important for the dentist to be aware of the management considerations for this expanding patient population. People with diabetes mellitus are more prone to fungal and bacterial infections, oral soft tissue lesions, compromised oral wound healing processes, dental caries and tooth loss. At the core of every diabetes mellitus management or treatment plan is an attempt to restore blood glucose levels to as close to normal as possible. Notably, if blood glucose levels can be adequately managed and controlled, progression to complications can be delayed or even prevented.