Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which sugar (glucose) is not used by the body. The reason for the body's inability to use sugar depends on the type of diabetes; there are two types:

• Type I Diabetes: The pancreas no longer makes insulin.  The beta cells have been destroyed.  They need insulin shots to use glucose from meals
• Type II Diabetes: Either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.

It is estimated that 12 to 14 million people, or one-third of the population in the United States, have diabetes, but only one-half of these individuals are diagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients.

And, diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems. These infections occur more often after puberty and in aging patients.

The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:

• tooth decay
• periodontal (gum) disease
• salivary gland dysfunction
• fungal infections
• lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease)
• infection and delayed healing
• taste impairment

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