Projects
018 – Dental health and attitudes in young adults aged 15–25 years with diabetes mellitus
- Chief Investigator A: A/Prof Christine Rodda
- Chief Investigator B: Prof Ivan Darby
- Chief Investigator C: Prof Bodil Rasmussen
- Chief Investigator D: Dr Phyllis Lau
- Associate Investigator: Dr Jamie Robertson
- Support: Footscray Co-Health, Melbourne University, Rotary Club of Footscray, Western Health
About
Adults who have poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM) have more advanced gum disease and an increased risk of tooth decay. Moreover, people with poorer gum health have greater difficulty controlling DM. Self-efficacy in both oral health and Type 1 DM management are related to lifestyle habits typically established during adolescence. However, there are currently few published data in this age group.
This study will provide insight into the oral health in young adults who have Type 1 DM, at a time when they are establishing potentially enduring lifestyle habits, potentially a critical time for early intervention to optimise long-term oral health and its impact on DM.
Aims
- Compare the oral health, as measured by decay experience and gum disease of young adults who have DM with the oral health of healthy young adults
- Assess attitudes to dental health in both groups
- Assess the need to include regular periodic oral health assessments within multidisciplinary young adult diabetes clinics
Expected outcomes
It is anticipated the results from the study will inform the need to include regular periodic oral health assessments within multidisciplinary young adult diabetes clinics to optimise long-term oral health and DM glycaemic control.
