Diabetes: Female diabetics face dramatically increased chance of mouth cancer in new study

DIABETES can result in a number of complications if symptoms go unchecked. Eye problems and foot problems are just some of the issues that can occur. But new research has now discovered women with the condition face a dramatically increased chance of developing mouth cancer.

Diabetes symptoms can be difficult to detect, but it’s important to be able to recognise the warning signs, as left untreated, the condition can lead to a number of complications.

Alongside eye and foot problems, complications include heart attack and stroke, kidney problems and nerve damage.

But research, published in Diabetologia, has now discovered that women have a 13 per cent higher chance of developing oral cancer if they have diabetes.

Overall it was found women faced a 27 per cent increase of developing any form of cancer if they had diabetes, while men also faced a 19 per cent increased risk.

With previous research showing close links between diabetes and the development of mouth cancer, as well as other forms of the disease, leading health charity the Oral Health Foundation, is calling on people to be aware of the close links between their oral health and their wider wellbeing.

CEO of the charity Dr Nigel Carter OBE, which campaigns tirelessly to raise awareness of mouth cancer, believes the research could help to identify individuals at risk of mouth cancer.

Dr Carter said: “This could be a very significant piece of research, and one that could help to save lives. Diabetes has previously been linked to poor oral health, but this new research shows a specific link to mouth cancer.

“This makes regular dental visits an absolute must. If your dentists know that you are diabetic, they will check your mouth accordingly.

“For many years we have known that diabetic patients are more likely to get gum disease and need extra dental care but this is yet another reason for regular checks.

Source: express.co.uk