Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub x #DiabetesChat

Dr Varkha Rattu qualified from Queen Mary University of London in 2018.

She is now a final-year resident on the part-time, four-year Periodontology postgraduate programme at King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital. Here, she focuses on managing complex periodontal cases and actively engages in research, which she finds deeply fulfilling.

Her commitment to excellence has been recognised with several accolades, including two prestigious awards from the British Society of Periodontology and Implantology (BSP). The BSP Audit Award celebrated her work to integrate a periodontal review as part of diabetes consultations and reviews. This initiative led to the creation of the nationally recognised ‘Periodontitis and Diabetes: Your Guide to Better Gum Health’ leaflet. Following this, she was awarded the BSP Systematic Review Prize for her high-calibre research, conducted in collaboration with world-renowned periodontists. This was subsequently published in the highly esteemed Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

Dr Rattu’s pioneering efforts in introducing diabetes HbA1c point-of-care testing into private dental practice have positioned her as one of the first in the UK to offer this service as part of periodontal consultations. By addressing the profound implications of diabetes on periodontal health, she has incorporated co-management strategies that benefit her patients. As a result, Dr Rattu is frequently invited to share her insights on periodontitis and systemic health nationally.

Passionate about bridging the gap between medical and dental care, she subsequently founded the Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub. This educational initiative aims to improve awareness of the critical intersection of periodontitis and diabetes, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Through this work, she continues to make significant contributions to research, education, and patient care.

Dr Amar Puttanna is a Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology in the West Midlands and an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer.

Dr Puttanna has been pivotal in shaping national diabetes guidelines. He has worked alongside the Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for guidance on managing diabetes in older adults. Additionally, he co-authored the patient resources for TREND-UK on diabetes and dementia.

An active educator and researcher, he serves on the editorial board of the British Journal of Cardiology and has written for Diabetic Medicine. Collaborating with the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the BMJ, he has led national diabetes education initiatives,

His innovative work on cognitive impairment in diabetes through the DIADEM project earned a Quality in Care Award. Further demonstrating his impact on patient care, he also received the Royal College of Physicians’ Excellence in Patient Care Award. Furthermore, he was among the first Royal College of Physicians Chief Registrars, reflecting his leadership within the medical field. His dedication to education has earned him teaching awards from the University of Birmingham (UoB) and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Dr Puttanna’s clinical and research interests span cardiovascular disease, diabetes in older adults, and integrating research into practice. He is particularly focused on the link between oral health and diabetes. As a result, he has been promoting cross-speciality collaboration through national lectures and developing online courses with UoB.

Since joining Sanofi UK in 2022 as National Medical Advisor for NHS Engagement, Dr Puttanna has continued to advocate for improved diabetes care.

Dr Dominika Antoniszczak is a passionate advocate for the connection between oral health and diabetes.

She combines her clinical expertise with her personal experience as someone living with Type 1 Diabetes to deliver empathetic and informed patient care.

Dr Antoniszczak’s academic journey reflects her commitment to lifelong learning. In 2018, she graduated from the Medical University of Warsaw. Following this, she earned a postgraduate diploma from King’s College London. Her diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in 2018, just two weeks after graduating from dental school, inspired her to focus her career on the intersection of oral health and systemic conditions, particularly diabetes. As a result, she completed an MSc in Diabetes Practice at Swansea University in 2021.

Her research interests are centred on understanding and addressing the complex relationship between oral health and diabetes. During her MSc, her dissertation examined oral health behaviours among individuals with diabetes. This highlighted gaps in awareness and opportunities for improving patient care. Dr Antoniszczak’s interest in diabetes research and education saw her as part of the University of Birmingham’s teaching panel on the ‘Diabetes and Oral Health’ CPD course.

Her dedication to raising awareness about the bidirectional impact of diabetes and oral health has made her a sought-after voice in both the dental and diabetes communities. She has shared her insights as a national and international speaker, including conferences for the British Dental Association, Diabetes UK, Primary Care Diabetes Society, and the highly acclaimed International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress.

Dr Antoniszczak’s professional and personal experiences uniquely position her as a compassionate advocate and expert in promoting the integration of dental and medical care. Outside work, Dr Antoniszczak enjoys spending time on the golf course, finding relaxation and focus through her love for the game.