Dental problems can be painful and costly. They are also preventable. Often at a visit to the dentist, people are reminded to lay off the sugar. Sugar is considered to be a primary causes of cavities for many. So it is easy to see why there is a strong correlation between diabetes and poor dental health. Elevated blood sugar increases the risk of cavities and inflammation of the gums. In addition, diabetics are proned to decreased saliva production which can also accelerate the rate of decay. Diabetes and poor dental hygiene can be recipe for serious problems.
If you are a diabetic or have a prediabetic condition, make good dental care a priority. Be sure to brush and floss twice daily. See your dentist at least twice a year. If your blood sugar is not under control you may need to go more often. Use dental products with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on teeth and reduces cavities. Most tap water is enriched with fluoride but many people drink only bottled water and consequently, do not get the fluoride they need. Finally, avoid rinses with alcohol. Alcohol can be drying and may worsen problems associated with decreased saliva production.
Good dental care is important to overall health and well-being. As a diabetic, start today to reduce the possibilities of additional health risks and complications. In the words of a chinese proverb, “A smile will gain you ten more years of life.”
Severely damaged skin is one of the more troubling problems associated with illness and various forms of treatment. Diabetics, for example, often experience poor circulation in their feet and hands. Diabetics, however, are not the only ones to suffer from medically related skin conditions. Chemotherapy, radiation, dialysis and medications can all have a damaging effect on the skin. These medical treatments can leave skin flaky, dry, itchy and uncomfortable. Reduced blood flow is often the primary cause.
At least 57 million Americans, nearly one in every six people, have prediabetes. Could you be one of them? Prediabetes or a prediabetic condition means that blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to be diagnosed as a diabetic. Research has shown that most people will go on to develop type 2 diabetes in less than 10 years.
