Connor's Journey - How Diabetes Affects Gum Health

Stories  |  25.04.25 Patient name:

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When Connor was referred for specialised periodontal care, he had no idea that the sudden deterioration of his gum health could be linked to something deeper. After a thorough periodontal assessment, we uncovered one of the hidden culprits — his diabetes was suboptimally managed. Although Connor had been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) at a young age, he had not experienced any concerns about his management until the periodontal team highlighted his significantly elevated HbA1c levels.

Through the right periodontal treatment and close collaboration with his diabetes care team, Connor was able to take control of his health. Today, his diabetes is better managed, and his gum health has improved dramatically.

Connor’s journey is a powerful reminder of the vital connection between diabetes and periodontitis — and how early detection, teamwork, and joined-up care can truly change lives.

Watch Connor’s story to learn why looking after your gums is an essential part of looking after your overall health.

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‘I initially had what I would have previously described as a perfect smile… Over a course of a matter of months I went from having inflammation in my gums to having 6 teeth removed

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Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally

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Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked

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Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases

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Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control

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Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control

icon1 services

Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally

icon1 services

Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked

icon1 services

Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases

icon1 services

Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control

icon1 services

Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control

Our Team

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Varkha Rattu

Founder & Periodontology Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Amar Puttanna

Diabetes Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Rajeev Raghavan

Diabetes Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Professor Mark Ide

Periodontology Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Professor Luigi Nibali

Periodontology Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Dominika Antoniszczak

Education & Support Advisor

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Jasmine Loke

Clinical Content Advisor

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Mira Shah

Patient Resource Advisor

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Elaine Tilling

Outreach & Communications Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Varkha Rattu

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Founder & Periodontology Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Amar Puttanna

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Diabetes Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Rajeev Raghavan

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Diabetes Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Professor Mark Ide

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Periodontology Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Professor Luigi Nibali

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Periodontology Co-Lead

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Dominika Antoniszczak

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Education and Support Advisor

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Jasmine Loke

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Clinical Content Advisor

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Dr Mira Shah

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Patient Resource Advisor

Team - The Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub

Elaine Tilling

Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub Position: Outreach and Communications Lead

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