Diabetes and periodontal diseases.

This position paper on diabetes mellitus was prepared by the Research, Science and Therapy Committee of The American Academy of Periodontology. It is intended to: 1) update members of the dental profession on the diagnosis and medical management of patients with diabetes mellitus; 2) summarize current knowledge on the relation between diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases; 3) provide an overview of factors in diabetic patients relevant to understanding the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in these subjects; 4) outline special considerations associated with treatment of periodontal diseases in diabetic patients; and 5) discuss possible approaches to the management of diabetic emergencies in the dental office. Reliance on this position paper in patient management will not guarantee a successful outcome. Periodontal diseases often involve numerous and complex causes and symptoms. Ultimately, decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of disease in an individual patient must be made by the treating practitioner in light of the specific facts presented by that patient.