Management of Diabetes in People Undergoing Dental Treatment in Primary Care

Diabetes mellitus is a condition resulting from loss of production of insulin, or insufficient production/insulin resistance leading to high blood glucose levels. Management of the condition can be provided in a variety of settings and is tailored to the person's requirements. The condition has a lifelong, systemic impact due to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Diabetes mellitus has dental implications due to increased risk of infections, poor wound healing, rapid progression of periapical pathology, xerostomia, burning mouth syndrome, and a bidirectional link with periodontal disease. Two clinical cases of patients with diabetes are discussed and their dental management described. Many people with diabetes can be treated in primary care, however, some with suboptimal glycaemic control may require specialist input and liaison with the patient's diabetes team.