NYU dental researchers find evidence of periodontal disease leading to gestational diabetes

Access, May-June, 2008 by Meghan Washington

A study by a New York University (NYU) dental research team has discovered evidence that pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus than pregnant women with healthy gums.

The study, led by Ananda P. Dasanayake, BDS, MPH, PhD, FACE, a professor of epidemiology and health promotion at the NYU College of Dentistry, followed 256 women at New York's Bellevue Hospital Center through their first six months of pregnancy.

Twenty-two women developed gestational diabetes. Those women had significantly higher levels of periodontal bacteria and inflammation than the other women in the study.

These findings, published in the April 2008 issue of the Journal of Dental Research, provide additional support for the importance of encouraging expectant mothers to maintain good oral health. For more information, visit www.nyu.edu.

Source: New York University

This edition of Health was prepared by Meghan Washington.