(Universidad de Cuenca, 2010-07) Carvajal Endara, Andrea Soledad
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by
hyperglycemia due to a deficiency in the secretion and
/ or action of insulin. Diabetes may affect various organs
such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves and blood ves-
seis. Vascular changes in the oral cavity predispose in-
dividuáis with diabetes to periodontal disease, delayed
wound healing,and opportunisticinfections.Treatment
of diabetes aims at the reduction of blood glucose le-
véis to avoid the complications mentioned above. Part
of this treatment ineludes dental care to prevent and
treat conditions of the oral cavity, thereby ¡mproving
the quality of life of diabetics. This paper aims to guide
the dental professional through the unique needs and
standard of care for their patients with Diabetes Melli-
tus.
