More than 29 million Americans live with diagnosed diabetes — an increase of 12% in just the past three years! According to the CDC, people with diabetes are 2X more likely to develop gum disease — an important but often overlooked health issue to discuss as we kick off National Dental Hygiene Month.
Why does gum disease matter to people with diabetes? Prevalence is higher because diabetics are generally more susceptible to infection and less able to fight germs that invade the gums. If left untreated, severe gum disease could eventually affect blood glucose control and even contribute to the progression of diabetes. To help kick-off National Dental Hygiene Month, Dr. Natalie Strand, co-author of the forthcoming book A Woman's Guide to Diabetes: A Path to Wellness, discusses how small steps can make a big difference when it comes to managing diabetes.
She may be best known as the first female winner of "The Amazing Race," but Natalie Strand is also a medical professional and one of the 29 million Americans living with diabetes. She shares some personal and professional tips that go beyond the usual "eat right and exercise."
For more information, visit oralhealthanddiabetes.com.
