Sickly Gums During Pregnancy May Invite Diabetes

Pregnant women with gum disease beware: You’re at risk of developing gestational diabetes. The condition develops during pregnancy and usually ebbs after the baby is born, but it can increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later on. According to one study, pregnant women who developed gestational diabetes had high levels of gum disease-causing bacteria and inflammation. Researchers speculate that gum disease may impair blood sugar control, leading to the development of diabetes. Published in the Journal of Dental Research, the study suggests that treatment of gum disease may help prevent gestational diabetes.

It’s important to monitor the health of your gums and schedule bi-annual dental check-ups, especially if you plan on getting pregnant. Take extra caution if your ethnic background predisposes you to both gum disease and diabetes, as seen in Hispanic, Asian and Native American female populations. Treating gum disease during pregnancy is safe and simple, and it could fend off both types of diabetes.

From	Comment
Avera	December 14, 2008 11:34 PM It has been a very long time since I was pregnant. One thing I do remember is that during my second pregnancy I developed gestational diabetes. This has been over 25 years ago. I wish there had been articles and research back then like this one because it might have helped many women including myself.