How prevalent is diabetes?

A recent report from the National Centers for Health Statistics cited more than 10 million Americans were living with diabetes; 124 million worldwide. Unfortunately, patients with diabetes have a substantially higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy. In fact, diabetes and its complications was the sixth most common cause of death in 2001, accounting for more than 72,000 deaths in the United States.

Diabetes also has a higher prevalence in certain minority groups, including African-Americans, Hispanic-Latinos, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, and those of Pacific Island descent.

During the past 20 years, the prevalence of diabetes has increased 30 to 40 percent. Obesity is a major risk factor in the development of diabetes at any age. Alarmingly, about one-third of adults with diabetes in this country are currently undiagnosed.

Diabetes is no longer an older adult disease. With increased obesity in children comes an increased risk for diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates one out of every six overweight children has prediabetes, a strong precursor and risk factor for type 2 diabetes. In fact, in one study, one-third of new cases of type 2 diabetes were detected in 10- to 19-year-olds! Further, two million U.S. “tweens” and teens (12 to 19 years) have prediabetes.

Compared to 20 years ago, the rate of overweight children has doubled for kids ages 6 to 11 and has tripled for those between the ages of 12 and 19. Overweight tweens and teens have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight/obese adults; the risk increases to 80 percent if one or both parents are overweight or obese.

What can the hygienist do to help young patients with prediabetes/diabetes? Most effective techniques include empowering the adolescent to take action to achieve self-management. This includes motivating the patient to engage in age- and interest-appropriate physical exercise. Kids also seem to find electronic gadgets more interesting. And when they are more interested, they are more likely to follow through with good home care. They seem to like power toothbrushes, colorful water jets, and toothbrushes that light up. And when they like the technology, they are more likely to use it. WaterPikTM, Inc. conducted tests on diabetic adults and found reduced systemic inflammatory markers and inflammation associated with periodontal disease in those who used these home irrigation devices.

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All members of the dental team can play an important role in the diagnosis and management of their diabetic patients. The dental hygienist can take the opportunity to counsel diabetic patients on how to improve glucose regulation, maintain oral hygiene at home, and improve nutrition.