“Several recent studies have shown that having periodontal disease makes those with type 2 diabetes more likely to develop worsened glycemic control, and puts them at much greater risk of end-stage kidney disease and death,” George W. Taylor, an associate professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan schools of Dentistry and Public Health, said in a prepared statement. “Given the numerous medical studies showing that good glycemic control results in reduced development and progression of diabetes mellitus complications, we believe there is the potential that periodontal treatment can provide an increment in diabetes control and subsequently a reduction in the risk for diabetes complications,” he said.

It has been noted that the HbA1c levels (an index of long term diabetes controlling) in diabetics with gum disease tend to be higher than usual. Conversely, aggressive treatment of the inflamed gums causes the HbA1c to be significantly lower.