Gum disease can raise your blood sugar levels

If you're a diabetic patient, get your gums checked if they are red, bleeding or swollen. — Photo: 123rf.com

Diabetes mellitus is emerging as a global epidemic, the complications of which have a significant impact on the quality of life, longevity and healthcare costs.

It is estimated that 346 million people currently suffer from diabetes worldwide and the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that this will increase to 439 million or almost 10% of adults, by 2030.