Nearly 30 million people across the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and many of them will find themselves in your care as a dental professional. People struggling with diabetes are at higher risk for certain oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, so it’s important to know the essentials about this disease. 

Stacey Simms is the host of the podcast Diabetes Connections, where she interviews those affected by diabetes and people who work in the medical industry. Stacey has hands-on experience dealing with the challenges diabetes in all its forms has to offer—her son lives with Type 1 and her husband with Type 2. Formerly a radio host and television reporter,Stacey sees her podcast an opportunity to continue with her broadcasting work even after retiring from it.

For this episode, Stacey distinguishes the two major types of diabetes (as well as an unofficial third form), debunks some common myths about the condition, and explains how you can sensitively bring up the subject to patients in your own office.  

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Interview starts: 7:12

- Stacey recounts how diabetes became part of her life and how she and her family learned to cope with it.

- The reason why Stacey took it upon herself to launch her own podcast about diabetes.

- The most surprising thing Stacey realized when she began interviewing people about diabetes.

- Breaking down the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes—as well as the less commonly known Type 1.5.

- What is an A1C test and how dental professionals should best broach those results when talking with patients.

- The trick of using sugar to treat low blood sugar while still avoiding cavities.

- Don’t make the mistake of reinforcing debunked myths about diabetes in front of your patients.

- What you should have on hand in your office in case of a patient’s diabetic emergency.

- Why you should give patients a heads-up if you plan to use drugs with epinephrine in them.

- Taking a look at how continuous glucose monitoring makes things easier on both those with diabetes and those who look after them.

QUOTES:

“We really run the gamut and try to get information and inspiration because there’s a lot that goes into living with life.”

“Your idea of ‘well-controlled’ may not be my idea of ‘well-controlled’.”

“I found that the more information I shared, quite often the more misinformation would be shared back at me.”

“[Diabetes] is not something to feel guilty about; it’s a health condition.”

“If you’re not an expert in Type 1 diabetes, you can’t live well with it.”

 

LINKS:

Diabetes Connections with Stacey Simms - https://diabetes-connections.com/

Stacey’s email: [email protected] 

 

Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episodes CE credits!

THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state.

Go here to take the test and get your CE Credit!

Approved Pace Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval Does Not Imply Acceptance By A State Or Provincial Board of Dentistry Or AGD Endorsement. 1/1/18- 12/31/19 Provider #373236

Be sure to thank the sponsor for CE for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences!

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