Diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are closely linked to periodontal inflammation and oral dysbiosis. Susceptibility to periodontitis is increased by approximately threefold in people with diabetes and individuals with metabolic syndrome demonstrate approximately 40–70% greater odds of periodontal disease. Meanwhile, definitive treatment of periodontal inflammation and dysbiosis is associated with improved glycemic control, and periodontitis treatment is associated with a decrease in HbA1c that is similar to that seen with pharmacologic treatment in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
On June 13-15, 2026, the AAP Foundation’s Levi-Richman Integration Initiative championed periodontal health by presenting information to more than 7,000 endocrinologists and attendees at ENDO 2026. Sukirth Ganesan, BDS, PhD, led the delegation alongside two graduate students from the University of Iowa, Gloria Moses Fiifi-Yankson, BDS, MPH, and Priscilla Remulla, BDS, MPH. The team engaged with hundreds of attendees and enrolled nearly 250 individuals to receive additional information on periodontal and endocrine disease connections.
Dr. Ganesan noted that “many clinicians shared that they typically only think about oral health in the context of joint replacement, cancer therapy, or medication-related osteonecrosis” and appreciated the opportunity to expand discussions regarding obesity and metabolic health impacts on periodontal conditions.
The team promoted an upcoming November 19 webinar titled “Working Together to Stop Diabetes,” part of a series funded by the Levi-Richman Integration Initiative. The Initiative was established through gifts from Patty and Dr. Paul Levi and Dr. Colin Richman, with additional support from PDS Health. Future outreach includes the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago, November 6-9.