Free dental care for diabetics

Costa del Sol

EXPERTS estimate that some 650,000 people in Andalucia suffer form diabetes and on November 14, World Diabetes Day, the Junta de Andalucia announced that all patients suffering from the metabolic illness which is due to deficiencies in insulin production to regulate blood glucose levels, will received free dental care. Pregnant women and children between the ages of six and 15 can already benefit from free dental care, other patients may have to wait longer but the aim is for diabetic patients with dental problems to be seen within 48 hours.

EXPERTS estimate that some 650,000 people in Andalucia suffer form diabetes and on November 14, World Diabetes Day, the Junta de Andalucia announced that all patients suffering from the metabolic illness which is due to deficiencies in insulin production to regulate blood glucose levels, will received free dental care. Pregnant women and children between the ages of six and 15 can already benefit from free dental care, other patients may have to wait longer but the aim is for diabetic patients with dental problems to be seen within 48 hours. The Junta de Andalucia intends to prevent, treat and research diabetes, mainly at the Puerta del Mar Hospital in Cadiz and the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Sevilla, where specialists will improve techniques for insulin regulation and early detection of diabetes. In one per cent of cases, patients don’t regulate their insulin, and another one per cent hasn’t been diagnosed.

Diabetes can result in other illnesses including periodontal diseases which affect the gums and the structure which supports the teeth. Other problems include retina diseases which can result in blindness, and the so-called diabetic foot, which on occasions requires amputation.