Question

Javier is a 45 year old surgical technologist who has been referred to the dental hygiene clinic for "deep cleaning" by his general dentist. He has type 2 diabetes mellitus, but due to his poor glycemic control, recently he has had to add insulin to his drug regimen. His medications include neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin, repaglinide (Prandin), colesevelam (WelChol), simvastatin (Zocor), lisinopril (Prinivil), and a baby aspirin. His blood pressure is 150/94, heart rate is 98, and his respirations are 15 breaths per minute. When you ask him how well his diabetes is controlled, he looks embarrasses and mumbles, "Okay, I guess." When you ask about his A1C, he says it was 8 the last time he visited the doctor. You do a finger stick test, and his results are 250. You asked him when his last visit was to the doctor, and he states that he hasn't been in several months due to a heavy work schedule of surgeries. You ask him if he has eaten because it is late in the day, and you know that he just came from the hospital. He says he has eaten and has take his medications. As you examine his oral cavity, you note that his gingiva is fiery red and erythematous, and he has several areas that appear to be periodontal abscesses. His probe readings range from 4-8mm, and there is spontaneous, excessive bleeding upon probing. The lower anterior mandibular teeth have grade 2 mobility.

Javier's periodontal problems are the result of his diabetes. Patients with uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes are more prone to periodontal problems.
A. Both statements are true
B. Both statements are false
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true

Answer 1

Both statements are True, about Javier's periodontal problems being linked to his diabetes, and that uncontrolled diabetes can cause periodontal issues, are true. The impact of type 2 diabetes on dental health can be profound, especially when blood glucose levels are not well-managed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is A. Both statements are true. Javier, being a 45-year-old surgical technologist with type 2 diabetes mellitus and poor glycemic control, exhibits classic signs of uncontrolled diabetes impacting his dental health. Uncontrolled diabetes is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease, which can lead to symptoms such as red, inflamed gums, periodontal abscesses, and mobility in teeth, all of which Javier is experiencing. Poor glycemic control, as indicated by his high A1C levels and current finger stick glucose level, exacerbates these periodontal problems. Research confirms that diabetes, particularly when not optimally managed, can indeed increase the likelihood of periodontal issues due to factors like impaired healing and increased susceptibility to infections.