Lower Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes By Performing This Habit Three Times Daily

The latest figures about the condition that are posted on Diabetes UK website reveal there are now 3,319,266 people in the UK suffering from diabetes. Most of the patients have insulin resistance, keeping the body from utilizing insulin the way it should be.

A combination of factors often leads to the development of the condition. These include being obese, having too much glucose from the liver, genes, and miscommunication between cells, or having damaged beta cells. Serious health complications could ensue if the condition is left untreated. Some of these health complications include eye damage, increased risk for stroke or heart disease, and kidney damage. Good thing, a recent study has revealed that performing an activity that is regularly done every day could help minimize the risk of developing diabetes.

A Good Hygiene

According to the results of the study published in Diabetologia journal, brushing your teeth three times daily or more is related to an 8% lower risk of developing diabetes. Researchers also reveal that the existence of dental disease is linked to a 9% increased risk, which can rise to 21% for those with fifteen or more missing teeth.

The authors of the study underscored the role that inflammation plays in the development of diabetes. It was also revealed by researchers that poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease can aggravate systemic inflammation and transient infection.

The study also revealed that tooth decay, particularly when it becomes worse, can lead to systemic and chronic inflammation. This increases the creation and circulation of inflammatory biomarkers, which past studies have shown to be linked to insulin resistance.

The Relationship of Oral Hygiene and Diabetes

This new research examined the oral hygiene of nearly 190,000 South Koreans between 2003 and 2006. After years of study, researchers found that those below 51 years old and who brushed their teeth more than what is recommended enjoyed a 14% lower risk of diabetes.

The study was spearheaded by Dr. Tae-Jin Song, a fellow at Seoul Hospital and professor at the Ewha Women’s University College of Medicine. Dr. Tae-Jin’s team found that one in almost every six participants suffers from a periodontal disease which is caused by infrequent brushing of teeth.

Researchers say that brushing the teeth frequently decreases the risk of new-onset diabetes. At the same time, periodontal disease presence and a number of missing teeth increase that risk. On the other hand, making some improvements to the oral hygiene has been found to be associated with a lower risk of the occurrence of new-onset diabetes.