A survey conducted on behalf of Colgate Total revealed a lack of awareness about the various health issues associated with diabetes.
The survey was conducted online September 5-13, 2012, by Harris Interactive and included 657 U.S. adults, age 18 and older, who reported being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
More than one-third of all respondents (36%) were not aware of the link between diabetes and oral health, and said they are less likely to associate oral health issues with diabetes than almost all other health conditions related to diabetes.
More than half (54%) reported one or more symptoms of periodontal disease, yet 67% said they do not discuss their oral health with their doctor.
Additional key findings from the survey:
- 66% of respondents said they are unaware that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop serious periodontal disease compared with those who do not have diabetes.
- 59% of respondents reported that they are not personally concerned about periodontal disease, and only 38% of those with diabetes said they pay a great deal of attention to their oral health and dental care.
- African Americans and Hispanics are more likely than Caucasians to say they are concerned about oral health and periodontal disease; in the survey, 36% of Caucasians said they are concerned, versus 56% of African Americans and 52% of Hispanics.
