Berlin, April 9, 2025 – An updated study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows for the first time on a broad basis that people with diabetes in Germany perceive their oral health to be significantly worse than people without this condition. The study, published in the "Journal of Health Monitoring," is based on data from the nationwide survey "Health in Germany Today" (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS) and underscores the close connection between diabetes mellitus and oral health.
The study's findings show that around 41 percent of adults with diabetes rate their dental and gum condition as mediocre to very poor. For individuals without diabetes, this proportion is about 28 percent. The differences between the sexes are particularly striking: while almost half of men with diabetes report poor oral health, it is slightly over a third for women. Even after accounting for factors such as age, education, smoking, or body mass index, the association remains, suggesting a genuine interaction between diabetes and oral health.
The study's authors emphasize that these findings support international results. They point to the reciprocal relationship: high blood sugar levels can promote gum inflammation, while oral inflammation can make blood sugar control more difficult. This highlights the need for closer collaboration between doctors who treat diabetes and dentists. The study sees this as a starting point for improving the care of people with diabetes and reducing long-term complications.
The study is based on telephone interviews with over 22,000 adults aged 18 and older, who were surveyed between April 2019 and September 2020. Despite the high number of participants and the representative sample, the researchers point out possible limitations, such as the subjective assessment of oral health or the lack of distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The study advocates for increased education about the links between diabetes and oral health, as well as for preventive measures against common risk factors such as unhealthy diet and smoking. Experts see this as an important step in raising awareness among the public and in the healthcare system. The results could also form the basis for improved interdisciplinary approaches in healthcare in the future.
