New science shows potential for significant health care improvements

SEATTLE, Washington--The Institute for Oral Health is sponsoring its second national conference for health care leaders, turning its focus on the growing link between periodontal disease and diabetes.

The gathering Nov. 26-27 in Seattle will bring together academia, clinical practice and public health leaders to expand upon the current state of evidence and opportunities to improve treatment for these two related conditions.

"New ground is being broken on the diabetes and periodontal disease connection that could bring an improved quality of life to millions of people," said Institute for Oral Health Director Dr. Ron Inge. "By exploring this relationship, there is tremendous potential for improving lives and impacting skyrocketing health care costs."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are 20.8 million diabetics in the United States, making up 7 percent of the U.S. population. Of that, 14.6 million have been diagnosed, while 6.2 million have the disease but do not know it yet.

Add to that another 54 million people who are pre-diabetic. Diabetes is suggested to represent 10 percent of the two trillion dollar health care cost in the U.S.

"Diabetes creates greater susceptibility to infections, a key factor in diabetes. Controlling periodontal disease may improve diabetic patients' response to insulin, increasing their chances for controlling this devastating condition--improving their well being and reducing health care costs," said Dr. Inge.

Conference presenters will provide the current state of evidence supporting the association between diabetes and periodontal disease. They will also discuss the advantages patients have gained through treatment of both conditions and recommend coordinated treatment to improve the overall health of diabetic patients. 

For more information about the conference and Institute, visit Institute for Oral Health.