A study published earlier this month by Diabetologia tested a possible link between oral hygiene and new-onset diabetes.

In an attempt to determine if there is a relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and the rate of new-onset diabetes, Yoonkyung Chang, Ph.D., and researches at the Ewha Woman’s University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, analyzed a series of data collected by the National Health Insurance System-Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS). This data which was collected from 2003 to 2006, across more than 188,000 subjects, found a positive link between oral care and new-onset diabetes.

Of the included subjects, 17.5% had periodontal disease. After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, diabetes developed in 31,545 (event rate: 16.1%, 95% CI 15.9%, 16.3%) subjects.

The correlation between periodontal disease and new-onset diabetes remained positively associated even after adjusting the data for demographics and lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, alcohol consumption, and vascular risk factors, among others.

The good news is that the study did find that regular tooth brushing (3x a day) had a negative association with new-onset diabetes.

To read more about this study, click here.

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For the Question of the week, QoW, test takers usually choose the correct answer 70-80% of the time. However, for one question of the week, about 40% of respondents chose the correct answer.

So, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity for another answer rationale. We’ll explore this question and the best answer in more detail and throw in some test-taking tips along the way. Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below:

Question of the week:

What is a common educator or provider barrier to care for the LGBTQ population?

Answer Choices:

1. Being aware of personal biases.
2. Understanding those in a same-sex relationship may be concerned how an illness or its treatment will have on fertility.
3. Knowing that all people seeking care may wish to discuss relationship issues.
4. Assuming person is straight or belongs to the LGBTQ population.

As shown above, the most common choice was option 4, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 2, and finally option 3.

Option 1 is incorrect. Being aware of our personal bias is not a barrier. It helps us to explore and be cognizant of our personal beliefs.

Option 2 is incorrect. This answer considers that the same sex couple may be interested in pursuing having children. In addition, this response shows the educator or provider is aware this is a barrier.

Option 3 is incorrect. People in the LBGTQ community may want the opportunity to discuss relationship issues as it allows them to feel respected as a person, get your support and understanding as to how their social structure relates to their diabetes care.

Option 4 is the correct answer. Assuming a person is straight or belongs to the LGBTQ population is a common barrier to providing person-centered care. Learn more about effective communication in our January Newsletter with our guest contributor, Ms. Theresa Garnero.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale and keep studying hard! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!

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Garnero, T. L. (2010) Providing Culturally Sensitive Care for LGBT with Diabetes. Diabetes Spectrum, 23(3): 178-182. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaspect.23.3.178

Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE!  Sign up below!

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