Genetic Risks Linked To Metabolic Changes In Type 2 Diabetes

Scientists have known for some time that certain variations in specific genes are risk factors for developing the high blood sugar levels that characterize type 2 diabetes. What hasn’t been so clear is the nuts and bolts mechanics of exactly how these genes led to elevated blood sugar readings.

The first crack in nature’s shell of secrecy around these mechanics was just opened by researchers in Germany. They found two specific gene variants that cause changes in the way the body metabolizes important building blocks of lipids, a type of molecule that includes fats and signaling mechanisms that help determine whether the fats are stored or burned.

Mind you, they didn’t find out all the details. There’s still a large body of painstaking scientific discovery yet to be accomplished before we find all the keys to what determines who has a normal blood sugar level and who develops type 2 diabetes. But this discovery is a firm step towards identifying genetic markers that flag specific changes in the metabolism that make it more likely for some people to wind up with blood sugar control problems.

What’s this got to do with your dental health? Well, other researchers found that in patients with severe periodontal disease, changes in their blood cholesterol increased a particularly dangerous type of lipid in the blood, what you often hear referred to as the bad form of cholesterol.

Fortunately, every Dentistry For Diabetics^SM dentist has extensive training in all the links between diabetes and gum disease. They also know how to lower blood sugar using specific dental therapy that can also make a significant impact on other systemic problems associated with gum disease, so follow this link to find a Dentistry For Diabetics^SM dentist in your area.