Know Your Diabetes Risk or Be One of the Six Million Who Don't

The American Diabetes Association says 6 million adults have type 2 diabetes and don't know it.
In the simplest terms, type 2 diabetes is a disease caused by too much sugar in your blood. The main cause is resistance of your muscle, liver and fat cells to the hormone insulin.
If your blood is tested for glucose and insulin levels and they are higher than normal, you are prediabetic. If the levels are a lot higher, you are a type 2 diabetic.

Type 1 diabetes comes from your own immune system attacking the beta cells in your pancreas. In infants and small children this happens quickly. But in a teenager or adult it can take years to lose all of your insulin-making beta cells.

When your blood is tested for glucose and insulin, glucose will be high but insulin will probably be lower. That is one way to tell adult onset type 1 from type 2 diabetes.
Since a blood test is the only way to be sure diabetes is present, it makes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes able to sneak up on you. This is why knowing your diabetes risk is so important.

More Reasons to Know Your Diabetes Risk
Almost 10% of people in the U.S. have diabetes, and another 7 million are probably unaware they have it. There are 79 million prediabetics here.
One in 400 of people under 20 have diabetes. Over 20 years old the number becomes one in ten. Over 65 that number jumps to one in four.
More than half of diabetic death certificates list heart disease as the first cause. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness and kidney disease. Three out of four diabetics have nervous system disorders, also called neuropathy.
Over half of amputations not caused by trauma are done on diabetics. These are the things we diabetics who are getting older have to face as possibilities.
It has been proven over and over that early and sustained blood sugar control lowers the risk of complications. But if you are one of the 79 million who are blissfully unaware of your high blood sugar, the statistics are going to catch up with you.

Know Your Risk
The number one risk factor is your family history. Twins are used to assess this risk for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If one twin has type 1 diabetes the second has a 50% chance of having it also. If one twin develops type 2, the other has a 75% chance of becoming type 2 diabetic.
Genetics also plays a role in diabetes. For type 2 the risk increases if your family tree includes any of these genes: African American, Alaskan native, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino.

The white European races have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes. And people who live in colder climates are more at risk for getting type 1. Finlanders have four times as many type 1 diabetics as we do in the U.S. and 400 times more than Venezuela.
Some viruses can trigger the autoimmune response that leads to type 1 diabetes. Some of these viruses can directly destroy pancreatic beta cells. The known viruses include Epstein-Barre, mumps and cytomegalovirus, and there are probably more.

Other possible risk factors haven't been proven conclusively but here are a few. Low vitamin D, not enough omega-3 fatty acids, nitrates in drinking water, and newborn jaundice seem to increase the risks for type 1.
The sooner you get on insulin and regulate your blood sugar levels, the fewer complications you will suffer in your eyes, heart, kidneys and neurological system. Right now there is no other treatment for type 1 diabetes.

A Type 2 Diabetic Risk Test
Since 90% of diabetics have type 2, here's a good risk test to take. If you fit any of these statements you should get your blood sugar tested, and not just once but every year or so. That way type 2 diabetes won't sneak up on you.

• I have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes.
• My family background includes one of the ethnic groups mentioned above for type 2.
• I am a woman who tested positive for diabetes when I was pregnant (gestational diabetes).
• I am a woman with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
• My doctor says I have high blood pressure. It can be 140/90 or above.
• My doctors say my cholesterol is too high and my triglycerides are above 250 mg/dL.
• I exercise less than three times a week for less than 30 minutes at a time. I'm pretty inactive.
• I have a history of heart problems or artery disease.
• I've had an abnormally high blood sugar test in the past.
• I have a dark velvety rash around my neck or in my armpits.
• I'm overweight and my BMI is higher than it should be.

If Your Blood Sugar Test Says You're Prediabetic
Finding yourself with a fasting blood sugar over 80 on a glucose test does not make you a type 2 diabetic. It does mean you need to do things to lower your diabetes risk.

If you lower your weight by changing some of the things you eat, that will lower your risk immediately. And if you exercise more than 30 minutes a day several times a week, you will drastically change your diabetes risk.
Prediabetics over 60 who changed their lifestyle in these two ways reduced their risk by 71%. Under 60 prediabetics lowered their risk by 58%. Those are just averages. You might do much better.

It all depends on whether you will change. Becoming physically active every day is guaranteed to transform your life. But it is important to make reasonable goals for yourself.
Losing as little as 5-7% of body weight has been shown to reverse prediabetes. The changes you make to your diet can be small but they have to be sustained.
Remember three things and you'll succeed in beating prediabetes.

• Drastic changes usually don't last.
• Fad diets are hard to stick with.
• It's better to do things you like for exercise.

If You Are a Type 2 Diabetic
The advice given for lowering your diabetes risk will work double for you now. Lowering your weight, getting in shape, changing what you eat and being more active - those things have been known to reverse type 2 diabetes.

Be faithful in taking the medications you've been given, and don't skip or quit. Avoiding complications is a top priority for you now, so keep all of your doctor's appointments and get the tests they ask for.
You might try joining a clinical trial or two. They are a great way to monitor and improve your diabetic condition. All of the medications and exams will be free, and you'll get topnotch care. You'll learn a lot too.
If you are interested in clinical trials for diabetes, here's the official website to visit: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

You Can Lower Your Risk for Diabetes
No matter what genetics and family history you were given, you can lower the risks and avoid the terrible complications of diabetes. Advice on a healthy diet and ways to make exercise a habit will help you in the beginning.
Once you've decided to change, you might find that fighting diabetes has put you onto a new and unexpected path. That's not always a bad thing. I hope this helps you, and I wish you well.

Martha Zimmer invites you to visit her website and learn more about type 2 diabetes, its complications and how you can deal with them, as well as great tips for eating healthy that will make living with diabetes less painful.

Go to http://www.a-diabetic-life.com and find out what you can do to avoid many of the pitfalls of this life-changing condition, like paying for cures that don't work and spending money for things you could have gotten free. Martha has made the mistakes and done the research so you don't have to.

By Martha J Zimmer 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7077460

How Does Diabetes Affect My Teeth and Gums?

What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there is a high level of sugar in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas in your body to control this blood sugar. Diabetes thus, can be caused by too little insulin production, resistance to insulin, or both.

To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process by which food is broken down and used by the body for energy. Several things happen when food is digested:
A sugar called glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for our body. The body now produces insulin. The role of this insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be stored.Diabetics have high blood sugar because their body cannot move sugar into fat, liver, and muscle cells to be stored for energy.

Why does this happen?
Their pancreas either does not make enough insulin or the body cells do not respond to insulin normally.Both of the above ca also occur
There are three major types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin. Daily injections of insulin are needed to control this. The exact cause is unknown.

Type 2 diabetes makes up most of diabetes cases. It most often occurs in adulthood, but teens and young adults are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it. In this type of Diabetes the cells of the body require higher insulin levels to clear the blood of sugar
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.

Complications of Diabetes:
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth ie, the Alveolar bone the ligaments and the gingiva on top. Uncontrolled diabetics show increased levels of gum infections which results in early loss of their teeth. In uncontrolled diabetics there is increased production of advanced glycation end products.these do not allow the collagen to be remodeled therefore the collagen tends to break down at the slightest infection resulting in multiple abscess in the gums
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: damage to the heart, leading to diastolic dysfunction and eventually heart failure.
Diabetic nephropathy: damage to the kidney which can lead to chronic renal failure, eventually requiring dialysis. Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world.

Diabetic neuropathy: abnormal and decreased sensation, usually in a 'glove and stocking' distribution starting with the feet but potentially in other nerves, later often fingers and hands. When combined with damaged blood vessels this can lead to a diabetic foot. Other forms of diabetic neuropathy may present as mononeuritis or autonomic neuropathy. Diabetic amyotrophy is muscle weakness due to neuropathy.
Diabetic retinopathy: growth of friable and poor-quality new blood vessels in the retina as well as macular edema (swelling of the macula), which can lead to severe vision loss or blindness.

Is there an association between gum disease and Diabetes?
For the nearly 50 million Indians that have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about Periodontitis being an unexpected complication associated with this condition. Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of advanced gum disease called periodontitis among those with diabetes, The American Diabetic Association has added periodontitis to the list of other 5 established complications associated with diabetes, macro vascular disease such as heart disease, micro-vascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy (renal disease) and neuropathy.

If I have gum disease like Periodontitis will I have more diabetes?
Research is showing that when gum disease/ periodontitis is present it results in increased levels of TNF-alpha. The ability of the body to respond to insulin decreases therefore the patient requires a higher dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs to control their rising blood sugar levels. Research has also shown that once this gum disease is controlled the amount of medication required reduces.

Is There a Two-Way Street?
Yes,the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

Diabetics should get their periodontal health examined by a periodontist every 6 months.
If I Have Diabetes, am I at Risk for Dental Problems?
If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be an important factor in causing blood sugar to rise. Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

How Can I Help Prevent Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes?
First and foremost, control your blood glucose level. Get regular blood check ups done Then, take good care of your teeth and gums, along with regular checkups every six months.
Flossing every day helps prevent build up of plaque or tarter which results in gum disease. Care should be taken not to snap the floss between the gums as it will hurt the underlying gums.
Brushing should be done twice a day and care should be taken to reach all areas of the mouth or you can ask your dentist to correct your method.

Some dental patients complain of excessive dryness this can result in caries and fungal infections our specialists provide gels to prevent such dryness.
To control thrush, a fungal infection, maintain good diabetic control, avoid smoking and, if you wear dentures, remove and clean dentures daily.

Should I Tell My Dental Professional About My Diabetes?
Yes, people with diabetes have special needs.please inform us of changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control.

The most common complication for diabetics on the dental chair is hypoglycemia, due to the hypoglycemic medications.Please do not come empty stomach for appointments.
Prior to any major dental appointment it is required to get a glycated hemoglobin test done. This test tells us the blood sugar levels over a period of three months

With appropriate care and awareness on the part of the patient and doctor, Diabetes can be defeated.

The author is a cosmetic periodontist, assistant professor in Bangalore, India. and director of Smilechain group of clinics in India. Can be contacted at http://www.smilekraft.in or Director@smilekraft.in

By Sidharth Shankar  

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6893942

Should Diabetes Stop Your Enjoyment of Life?

With over 350 million people now suffering from diabetes on a worldwide basis, and tens of millions suffering in silence unaware of their condition, we can only imagine how many people will receive the news that they have diabetes in years to come. Standing in front of your doctor awaiting the results of a diabetes test could be one of the most challenging times of your life but should diabetes stop your enjoyment of life?

Diabetes today

Over the last 30 years we have seen a massive increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes with type II diabetes now more commonplace than ever. Indeed type II diabetes is seen by many as a "lifestyle condition" brought about by bad diet, lack of exercise and a generally unhealthy lifestyle. However, nothing is straightforward with regards to diabetes and ultimately there may be a number of different factors coming together to create the perfect environment for the condition to develop.
If we take a step back and look at the situation, diabetes is now regularly spoken of in the public domain as opposed 10 years ago when there was a great reluctance to admit you had diabetes. So, why shouldn't diabetes impact upon your life going forward?

Diagnosing diabetes

In years gone by many people would have been suffering from diabetes for potentially years unaware of the condition. They would likely have encountered bouts of serious illness, challenging medical conditions and in some cases possibly pushed to the edge of life. The situation today is very different with governments and charities around the world carrying out more and more tests for diabetes on a regular basis. As a consequence, as soon as you begin to show signs of diabetes the likelihood is that a test will be made available for you and you will be diagnosed with or without the condition much earlier than people have been in the past.

This element of the diabetes industry alone should improve your standard of living in the short to medium term but if we look longer term what is the situation?

Living with diabetes

As the number of diabetics around the world has doubled over the last 30 years we have seen a major increase in the number of treatments available, research programmes and equipment. Never has the diabetes industry been so well-equipped, been so well supplied and in many cases it is on the edge of the latest technology. There is an array of different injection systems available, different ways to control your blood sugars and indeed advice on diets is available on thousands of websites around the world.

Many experts take a very simple approach to living with diabetes suggesting that "a little of what you fancy" will not necessarily do you any harm. There are other opinions with regards to this particular subject with some experts preferring to look towards specialist diabetic foods, diabetic recipes and specific ways of life. However, on the whole there is a general feeling that if you are careful, monitor your blood sugar levels and you are sensible then diabetes should not stop you from enjoying your life.

Lifting the stigma

There has been a stigma attached to diabetes for many years now, it was often one of those conditions which was never spoken of in public. However, the internet has also brought together a variety of support groups able to offer help and assistance, from people who've been there and done it, which can be invaluable going forward. Just a relatively small number of tweaks to your everyday life can make a massive difference, can put your mind at rest and can ultimately protect you from any potential dangers going forward.

We must never underestimate the power of support, the power of talking and the power of advice from those who have been there and done it. Perhaps this is ever more so in the world of diabetes, a world which was often left in the shadows with little or no public recognition or major government investment.

Conclusion

If you look back 30 years ago you will see that the number of diabetics around the world has doubled. However, during this time we have also seen major improvements in treatment, diagnosis, support and advice. The life of a diabetic is very different today than it was 30 years ago, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy life to the max and do the majority of those things on your "to-do list"
.
If you dig deep with regards to diabetes you will see a variety of different levels of advice, from food to exercise, from testing to pregnancy and everything else in between. Many experts take a fairly simple approach to the condition suggesting that if you are careful and eat "a little of what you fancy" then there is no reason why diabetes could or should control your life. We are all different but there is no reason why diabetes should ever control your life.

If you are looking for advice about diabetes, the latest news or you are struggling to cope, visit the DiabetesForum.com and join our 25,000 strong forum community.

By NM Benson 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7509122

Take Action Against Diabetes With The Help Of These Best Foods For Diabetes

The food you eat is one of the things that can get you into trouble with diabetes. If you are pre-diabetic or have diabetes, one of the ways to cure, control or prevent diabetes is to focus on foods that can help cure or reduce your risk of developing this chronic condition. It may seem like a monumental task to try to change your eating habits because let's face it, many bad foods are quite delicious. Despite this, you can make a change. Some of the best foods for diabetics are delicious too.

Before considering the best foods for diabetics, you need to consider what type of diabetes you have as well as what goals you are aiming for when making dietary changes.
Type I diabetes is not preventable and cannot be cured and requires daily insulin injections. Using diet to control type 1 diabetes is done in order to ensure that complications both long and short term are minimized by blood glucose levels normalization with the help of diet.

Type II diabetes on the other hand can not only be prevented but in some cases can be cured or the reliance on medications or insulin injections by the patient can be significantly reduced.
Making dietary changes for type II diabetes (and increasing daily physical activity levels) is with the aim of helping with weight reduction and help the patient maintain normal body weight. While the causes of type II diabetes are varied, one significant area that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese.

Best Foods for Diabetics

1. Carbohydrates
The body needs carbohydrates that it turns into glucose which is the source of the energy or fuel required by the cells in the body. Carbohydrates are present in most foods except for meat, poultry and fish.
The two types of carbohydrates used by the body are derived from complex carbs (starches) such as beans, pasta, rice, etc. The second type of carbohydrates are known as simple carbohydrates which refer to sugars derived from fruits, vegetables, honey, white table sugar, etc.

If you are a diabetic, you should become well versed in carbohydrates. Diabetics should eat a diet that is higher in carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates in particular than any other type of food. Simple carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels much more quickly than complex carbohydrates (grains, beans, peas, peanuts, soybeans, potatoes, etc) which raise blood sugar levels very slowly.

Simple carbohydrates may not be entirely off limits for diabetics but this is something for you to discuss with your doctor as many "forbidden foods" such as white table sugar many not be completely off limits.
Carbohydrate counting is probably prudent for each diabetic. After a discussion with your doctor on how many carbs you need in a day, you can then decide what your daily mix of carbs will include. You may then be able to enjoy a candy bar here and there as long as you consider how much the candy bar will affect your daily allowable carbohydrate requirements in much the same way you would consider a cup of beans, cup of pasta, etc.

2. Fiber
The reason that complex carbs and whole grains are crucial for a diabetic is mainly because of the fiber content which is why refined "foods" are usually forbidden for a diabetic because they do are usually stripped of fiber and raise blood sugar levels very fast because foods are digested very quickly when they do not contain fiber.

Fiber has many health benefits including relieving constipation, reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol, it can help with weight reduction, etc. Fiber rich foods are one of the best foods for diabetics because fiber can help to control blood sugar levels, so adopting a fiber rich diet is a must for anyone wanting to overcome or prevent diabetes.

There are two types of fiber and each of them is very important. The first type is known as soluble fiber and the second is known as insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber
Soluble fiber which is found mainly in beans, oats, certain fruits and vegetables, etc, dissolves in water and turns into a gel in the stomach. The gummy consistency of insoluble fiber helps to slow down the digestion process. This slowing down helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar which is a very powerful role for diabetes cure or management as it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels by preventing glucose from being absorbed too quickly into the blood.

Spikes in blood sugar levels means that there will be excess amounts of glucose in the blood which the body may have trouble transferring to the various cells in the body or storing which could lead to complications and even death if very severe.
Another benefit of soluble fiber is that if you are dealing with insulin resistance which is a common feature of type 2 diabetes development, soluble fiber can help to increase the sensitivity of the body's cells to insulin so that the insulin is able to remove more glucose from the blood and distribute it to the various cells in the body.
Insoluble fiber

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and passes through the body intact and helps to speed up the movement of food through the intestines which helps prevent constipation.
The insoluble fiber that is derived mostly from whole wheat as well as certain fruits and vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of diabetes.
Various studies have shown that those who consumed fiber rich ( or complex carbohydrate rich) diets were able to achieve and maintain normal blood sugar levels by as much as 90 percent for those with type 2 diabetes and 30 percent for those with type 1 diabetes.

An important feature of a high fiber diet is to ensure that you increase your water intake. Fiber needs a significant amount of water to move through the body and do what it needs to do. Increasing your water intake will also keep you well hydrated which is important for general health and wellbeing.
Consuming more fiber is also a great way to prevent developing diabetes if you have been diagnosed as being pre-diabetic.

3. Healthy fats
No two diabetic diets are ever the same. While one person with diabetes may be advised to consume less fat, another may be required to eat more fats (the healthy kind).
The amount of healthy fat content is something to discuss with your doctor but it has been discovered that some who ate less healthy fats and more carbohydrates may have unwittingly increased the levels of triglycerides in their bodies which has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease in diabetics. This is because fat and protein when compared to carbs, do not raise blood sugar levels quite as fast as the latter and this helps to reduce the levels of triglycerides.

If this is a risk for you, increasing your intake of healthy fats such as olive oil will not only lower blood sugar levels but will also reduce your heart disease risk. Healthy fats like those found in olive oil, avocados and various nuts, are also loaded with antioxidants which are also important for diabetes management as discussed below.

4. Vitamins and minerals
There are many complications that can arise from diabetes that can affect the nerves, eyes, blood vessels, etc, and certain vitamins can help promote healthier eyes, blood vessels, nerves, etc.
Foods containing vitamins C and E as well as the mineral zinc are some of the best foods for diabetics as these vitamins and minerals are known as antioxidants which help to prevent free radical damage to the cells in the body. Damage to the cells from free radicals can increase the risk of developing diabetes related complication such as nerve damage and heart disease. Antioxidants help to protect the cells from free radicals.

Many diabetics have also been found to be deficient in the mineral magnesium and this deficiency can increase the risk of diabetes related eye problems as well as heart disease. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to retina damage so increasing your intake of magnesium can help protect your eyes and your heart from any complications.
Chromium is another mineral that many people with diabetes are deficient in. Chromium is important because it can help the body better manage blood sugar levels. This mineral is found in broccoli, fortified breakfast cereals, grapefruit, etc.

Vitamins and mineral deficiencies are a common issue with people with diabetes so if you are not getting enough of these nutrients from your diet, a good supplement may work.
An important aspect of using food to cure, manage or prevent diabetes naturally is about finding a meal plan that works for you which combines these various elements - fiber, vitamins, minerals, fats, etc - in order to help control blood sugar levels either directly or indirectly.

Another aspect of trying to find and incorporate the best foods for diabetics [http://diabetestype1and2info.com/] into your diet is to ensure that instead of eating a few large meals a day, you need to instead eat several small meals each day in order to make it easier for your body to manage the glucose in your blood. Shoot for three small meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - as well as two or three healthy snacks between these small meals. This will not only help with diabetes management but also weight control. For more on fighting diabetes naturally, visit [http://diabetestype1and2info.com/].

By Terry Robbins 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8600538

Diabetes and Mouth Diseases

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, the risk of tooth loss is greater among diabetics than for non-diabetics-especially among the elderly.
The study was based on an analysis of data for more than 2,500 Americans who were over 50 years of age. The researchers discovered that diabetics (both type 1 and type 2) were missing an average of nearly ten teeth each compared to less than seven teeth for non-diabetics.

They also found that diabetics are twice as likely to have lost all their teeth. Among the subjects of the study, 28% of the diabetics had no teeth at all, compared to just 14% of non-diabetics.
The study also discovered that, while those who have poorly controlled diabetes are most likely to experience tooth decay, even diabetics who have their disease under control are more likely to suffer from gum disease compared to non-diabetics.

Unless you have been in a fight, falling teeth are nearly always due to gum disease. However, the damage diabetes does to your mouth is not limited to falling teeth.

How diabetes affects your mouth and teeth
Your mouth includes your teeth, your gums, your jaw, and tissues such as your tongue, the roof and bottom of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks. All of these can be affected by diabetes.
The most common problems diabetics get in their mouths are:

• tooth decay (cavities)
• early gum disease (gingivitis)
• advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
• thrush
• dry mouth (xerostomia)
• burning mouth syndrome

These problems are not confined to those of us who have diabetes, of course. It's just that being diabetic makes it more likely that you will suffer from one or more of these conditions.
Plaque
Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria, and your saliva contains glucose. The glucose nourishes the bacteria.
If you are failing to control your diabetes, the level of glucose in your saliva will be elevated, making it a rich medium in which harmful germs can grow.

The germs and saliva form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque which binds to the surface of your teeth. This happens whether you are diabetic or not.
You can also get plaque from consuming food or drink containing sugar or starches because these deposit residues as they pass through your mouth.
If you don't remove plaque regularly it will harden over time into a substance called tartar and collect under the gum line. Tartar makes it more difficult to brush between your teeth and it needs to be removed by regular cleaning using the correct technique.
Plaque affects your teeth and gums. Some types cause tooth decay or cavities. Other types of plaque cause gum disease, a very common form of infection.

Gum disease can happen more often, be more severe, and take longer to heal if you have diabetes. In turn, having gum disease can make your blood glucose hard to control. Some studies suggest that treating your gum disease can make it easier to control your blood glucose.

Tooth decay (cavities)
Plaque contains acids. These acids attack the hard, outer surface (enamel) of your teeth. This can create cavities or holes in the enamel.
The higher your blood glucose level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches in your food and drink, the more acid there will be eating away at your teeth. Thus diabetics who fail to control their blood glucose levels are more prone to cavities than non-diabetics.
Early gum disease (gingivitis)
The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. In time, your gums become red and swollen. Bleeding will often occur while you are brushing your teeth.

This is gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. It is the first stage of gum disease. If it is not treated, you teeth will begin to decay.
You can avoid gingivitis by bushing and flossing your teeth daily, and by having your teeth cleaned regularly by your dentist.
Infections spread much more easily when you have diabetes and high blood glucose levels. Keeping your blood sugar under control reduces the rate at which this happens. Unfortunately, when your body begins to fight an infection, blood glucose levels usually rise in response thus accelerating the spread rate.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets or spaces which become infected. Your body fights the germs as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
However, the germs and your body's response to the infection start to break down the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. Your teeth will loosen and may even fall out.

Not only will your gums be red and swollen and prone to bleeding but you may have pus between your teeth and gums, as well as bad breath that you just can't get rid of.
In addition, your teeth may tend to move away from each other. You will probably notice changes in the way they fit together when you bite or the fit of your dentures is becoming uncomfortable.

The solutions range from deep cleaning by your dentist, through prescription medicines, to gum surgery. If periodontitis is not treated, the gums, bones and tissue that support the teeth will be destroyed and teeth will have to be removed.
Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing.
An infection such as periodontitis may cause your blood sugar level to rise, which makes controlling your diabetes more difficult. Treating periodontitis, however, can help improve blood sugar control.

Thrush
Thrush in the mouth manifests itself as sore, white (sometimes red) patches on your gums, tongue, cheeks, or the roof of your mouth. These patches can turn into open sores.
Thrush is due to the spreading of a natural fungus. It is more common amongst people who have poor blood glucose control.
The solution is prescription medicines. If you wear dentures, removing them during the night and for part of the day may help, as will keeping them clean. If they don't fit well, get them fixed.
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dry mouth is a lack of saliva in your mouth, which raises your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
You feel that your mouth is almost always dry. The feeling may come along with a dry, rough tongue, cracked lips, oral sores and infections, and difficulties chewing, swallowing, or talking.
Your doctor or dentist can prescribe medicine to keep your mouth wet. You also need to avoid tobacco, caffeine, alcohol and spicy or salty foods.
To increase the flow of your saliva you can use sugarless gum or mints or take frequent sips of water. Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouth-wash may help.

Burning mouth syndrome
This is a complex mouth problem in which you have a burning feeling in the mouth. Your mouth will feel dry and painful and will have a bitter taste. The symptoms may get progressively worse over the course of a day.
The cause of burning mouth syndrome is not known but is thought to be linked to nerve damage, painful dentures, hormonal changes, dry mouth, and a poor diet. The only solution is to seek medical advice.
How does smoking affect the mouth?
Tobacco products-cigarettes, cigars, and pipes-are bad for anyone's mouth. But if you have diabetes and smoke, you are increasing your risk of developing gum disease.
This is because smoking-besides causing cancer, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases such as emphysema-can damage gum tissue and cause swollen or receding gums. It can also speed up bone and tissue loss, leading to falling teeth. Smoking contributes to the development of mouth ulcers and raises your chances of getting cancers and fungal infections in your mouth and throat.
In summary, smoking makes any problems you have within your mouth much worse. It also discolours your teeth and makes your breath smell bad.

Dental hygiene, diabetes, and cholesterol
Diabetes can cause excess cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream.
If your gums have an infection that isn't treated promptly, bacteria from the infected gums can flow into the bloodstream. This may speed up the rate at which your arteries are clogged by cholesterol, putting you at the front of the queue for a heart attack or stroke.
The only solution is to make sure that you control your diabetes, look after your teeth and your gums, and visit your dentist regularly.

Summary
People with poorly-controlled diabetes are more susceptible to dental problems.
They are more likely to have infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place, because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums.
In addition, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse, because the decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and the build-up of plaque.
Smoking exacerbates all these problems.

By Paul D Kennedy 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8616135