El papel de odontólogo ante la diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to a deficiency in the secretion and / or action of insulin. Diabetes may affect various organs such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves and blood ves- seis. Vascular changes in the oral cavity predispose individuáis with diabetes to periodontal disease, delayed wound healing,and opportunisticinfections.Treatment of diabetes aims at the reduction of blood glucose levéis to avoid the complications mentioned above. Part of this treatment ineludes dental care to prevent and treat conditions of the oral cavity, thereby ¡mproving the quality of life of diabetics. This paper aims to guide the dental professional through the unique needs and standard of care for their patients with Diabetes Mellitus.