Assessment of the Awareness among Diabetic Patients of Their Risk for Oral Disease as Complication Associated With Diabetics

AIM: To assess the awareness of diabetic patients of their risk for oral disease as complication associated with diabetics. INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to defective secretion or activity of insulin. Type II diabetes is a common disorder with concomitant oral manifestation that impacts dental care Evidence shows that many patients are unaware about effects of diabetes mellitus on oral health.  METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted among adult dental patients attending a tertiary care hospital of Bangalore city. A total of 172 patients were included in the study. The tool used to conduct the survey was a close-ended self-administered 14-item questionnaire. Self-rate oral health was assessed using a 4 point scale as good, average, bad and don’t know. RESULT: A total of 172 subjects, among them 120 (69.7%) were males and 52 (30.3%) were females. Among 172 subjects, 87(50%) were aware that diabetics are more prone to oral diseases .91(52%) of the study subjects did not know that diabetes effects gingiva.91(52%) of individuals knew diabetes causes delay in wound healing. 81% of the subjects, self-rated their mouth as good. CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients are less aware of their risk for dental diseases. Thus, it is necessary for dental professionals and related government agencies to promote awareness of the relationship between diabetes mellitus and oral health in order to prevent harmful complications on oral healt