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CAPSTONE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED: DIABETES

Medically Compromised from Diabetes

Jennifer Linder

Indian Hills Community College

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CAPSTONE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED: DIABETES
Medically Compromised from Diabetes

The term diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affects how your body uses blood

sugar, also known as glucose. Glucose is important to your health because it is a significant

source of energy for the cells that make up your body. It is also your brain's main source of fuel.

Diabetes can lead to excess sugar or insufficient sugar in your blood. Too much sugar in your

blood can lead to serious health problems and too little sugar can cause your body to start

shutting down.

Chronic diabetes conditions include Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes,

and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions are prediabetes and gestational

diabetes. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high

enough to be deemed as actual diabetes. Prediabetes is often the first sign of diabetes unless

appropriate measures are taken to prevent progression. Gestational diabetes occurs during

pregnancy, but usually resolves after the baby is born. Treatment of diabetes depends on what

type of diabetes a patient has. Treatments include blood sugar monitoring, insulin, oral

medications, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular

exercise.

People with diabetes are at risk for developing infections and have impaired healing

capabilities. This can lead to major issues in the mouth of a patient with diabetes. They will have

a higher chance of developing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to chronic pain,

bad breath that doesn’t go away, chewing difficulties, and tooth loss. Another problem diabetes

can cause is dry mouth which can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, tooth decay, and oral

candidiasis. Smoking makes these problems even worse. In addition, diabetes may also cause the

level of sugar in the saliva to increase, putting the patient at an even higher caries risk.
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CAPSTONE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED: DIABETES
The biggest focus for a patient with diabetes when it comes to their oral health is

prevention. The patient needs to start by creating a plan with their doctor on how they are going

to treat their diabetes and maintain a normal blood glucose level. If the patient can get their

diabetes under control, they lower the risk factors associated with the diabetes when it comes to

oral health conditions. Patients also need to focus on not smoking as that is another huge risk

factor for periodontal disease. Patients should increase their awareness of their oral cavity to

monitor for dry mouth and changes to their oral mucosa. If a patient notices any changes in their

mouth, they should contact their dentist and make an appointment for an evaluation. The patient

should also be aware of the side effects of their medications, as dry mouth can increase their risk

factor for infection of the gums. If they are prepared ahead of time for how to treat dry mouth,

they can start using oral lubrication aides to keep their mouth moist.

Patients need to be educated on the importance of effective oral hygiene and how to

complete it. The patient should be brushing 2 times a day with a soft bristled toothbrush. The

patient should be taught how to use a manual toothbrush effectively or purchase a power

toothbrush. The patient should be using a fluoridated toothpaste. The patient should be cleaning

interdentally with whichever device they are most comfortable with, but they should make sure

they are using it correctly and effectively. I would recommend the patient uses interdental

brushes dipped in a fluoridated antimicrobial mouth rinse to clean between their teeth. The

patient should also be rinsing their mouth out with an alcohol free, fluoridated, antimicrobial

mouth rinse before bed.

If the patient effectively manages their diabetes and performs adequate oral hygiene

daily, they will prevent the development of periodontal diseases within their mouth. The patient
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CAPSTONE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED: DIABETES
should utilize their doctor, dentist, dental hygienist, and a registered dietician to help them create

a plan for success and stick to it.

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CAPSTONE MEDICALLY COMPROMISED: DIABETES
Works Cited

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/diabetes/more-info

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes