Ann Arbor, MI - September 11, 2008 - Researchers from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Delta Dental's Research and Data Institute will be exploring the effect treatment of periodontal disease may have on the medical costs of people with diabetes.

Dr. George Taylor

Dr. George Taylor, associate professor of dentistry and the study's principal investigator, and his research team will work with Delta Dental researchers analyzing dental and medical claims data for about 3,300 Chrysler employees and their dependents with diabetes. Personal information that identifies patients will be removed before the claims data is given to the researchers.

After analyzing data from 2000 to 2007, the researchers will determine if medical costs were lower for those with diabetes who also had treatment for periodontal disease. A common chronic and costly disease, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in expected to increase by 44 percent between 2002 and 2020 according to U.S. Census Bureau population projections.

People with diabetes and poor blood sugar control are more susceptible to periodontal disease. However, evidence suggests that periodontal disease can adversely affect blood sugar control in those with diabetes. Researchers believe that by keeping gum disease in check, people with diabetes can better manage their blood glucose levels and avoid many of the serious complications of diabetes.

According to Taylor, "recent studies have shown that having periodontal disease makes those with Type 2 diabetes more likely to develop worsened glycemic control and puts them at greater risk of kidney disease and death due to kidney or cardiovascular disease."

Taylor added that numerous medical studies have shown "that good glycemic control results in reduced development and progression of diabetes complications. We believe there is the potential that periodontal treatment can provide an increment in improving diabetes control and subsequently a reduction in the risk for diabetes complications."

Dr. Jed Jacobson, senior vice president and chief science officer at Delta Dental, said, "We hope to find a reduction in total medical care costs for individuals with diabetes and periodontal disease who receive treatment. If this proves true," he continued, "it can lead to changing the way we manage patients with diabetes, not only saving health care costs, but lessening the burden of diabetes and, ultimately, saving lives."

The study, expected to be completed next February, is funded with a grant from the Delta Dental Research and Data Institute.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit us on the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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