Study has shown that diabetic patients who get their gum disease treated without procrastinating and wasting any time have less expenditure incurred on it. This has been the results from a study that was conducted by CIGNA. The treatment of periodontal gum disease, when done at the right time, helps the patients, especially diabetics to reduce their medical expenditure.  This has come out from a research that has been conducted over a period of three years and was presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) in San Diego.This was presented by Dr. Clay Hedlund, a CIGNA dental director, Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, Dean Emeritus and professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Robert Genco, a SUNY Distinguished Professor, and University at Buffalo Schools of Dental Medicine, and Dr Nipul Tanna, clinical assistant professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. IADR is a non-profit organization that is largely dedicated to advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health worldwide.

There is a certain undeniable association between the treatment of gum disease and lower medical costs in the treatment of diabetes. The study followed patients who got a year gum disease treatment and maintenance thereafter. Their medical bills were far less. On an average, medical costs were $2,483 per year lower which amounted to almost as much as 23 percent less for patients with diabetes. This could only be made possible if they underwent gum treatment.

The overgrowing number of diabetic patients brings to the forefront the burden that this disease can be to the patients. In order to reduce this monetary expenditure, patients with diabetes must ensure that t hey seek the right gum disease control measures according to Dr. Robert Genco.

The link is certainly there for all to see between periodontal disease and diabetics. The prevalence of diabetes goes on to put these people at further risk of gum diseases and the other complications that can be linked with diabetes and might even affect mortality. These findings are going to help millions of people not only be able to take care of their health but also reduce their medical expenditure.

Therefore, according to Dr. Clay Hedlund the treatment of gum disease has several merits to it and it is not only better oral health. It can go a long way in being able to control costs for medical treatment.