Abstract
Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases resulting from impaired insulin secretion, varying degrees of insulin resistance, or both. Management of the diabetic dental patients must take into consideration the impact of dental disease and dental treatment on the management of diabetes as well as an appreciation for the comorbidities that accompany long-standing diabetes. Those comorbidities include obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Management of the diabetic dental patient should focus on periodontal health and the delivery of comprehensive dental care with minimal disruption of metabolic homeostasis and recognition of diabetic comorbidities.