THURSDAY, Sept. 19, 2024 (HealthDay News) — A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research on August 5 reveals a significant association between neuropathy and retinopathy in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis.
Led by Dr. Fernando Valentim Bitencourt from Aarhus University in Denmark, the research analyzed data from 15,922 individuals with type 2 diabetes participating in the Health in Central Denmark study. The findings indicate that both diabetic neuropathy (odds ratio [OR], 1.36) and retinopathy (OR, 1.21) are linked to increased odds of moderate/severe periodontitis.
The study further demonstrated that the presence of both microvascular complications amplifies these odds (OR, 1.51). Notably, the researchers identified an additive effect related to dyslipidemia, showing a positive relative excess risk for neuropathy (0.24), retinopathy (0.11), and both conditions combined (0.44). A sensitivity analysis ruled out unmeasured confounders and varying definitions of microvascular complications as explanatory factors.
The results suggest that dental professionals should consider screening for microvascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes who exhibit moderate or severe periodontitis, particularly in those with dyslipidemia.
Related topics:
