Diabetes, Depression and Periodontal Disease

People with diabetic conditions generally have a demanding life because in addition to doing everything each and everyone of us does, they tend to count carbohydrates, testing their blood sugar levels.  Those people with this condition that are depressed  tend to experience poor concentration and easily lose interest which can cause problem in educating themselves about proper self-help and self-management of their diabetes.  While they may know about how to maintain their health, they tend to lose interest in their health including dental health and be less willingto take the appropriate steps needed to self -help.  Some studies have shown that these people with diabetes and depression are less likely to fill their prescriptions, check their glucose levels maintain periodontal health.  Please check with your dentist regarding your periodontal (gum) health.

For more information on the link between diabetes and depression, check an article written by Dr. Alan Jacobson, chief, psychiatric services at Harvard Medical School at Times vol. 170, No. 20, 2007 http://www.time.com.

Good luck!