“Sugar! Yes, Please!”: Diabetes Mellitus and Its Dental Implications

Diabetes mellitus remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes, and its systemic complications, are often accompanied by, and are exacerbated by, numerous other co-morbid conditions. This course will provide attendees with an overview of diabetes mellitus, the arsenal of medications used in its treatment and the complex interplay between diabetes and the oral-systemic disease. Special emphasis will be placed on the use of new GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), and dual-action GLP-1/GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) agonists, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), for the treatment of diabetes as well as their use in the management of obesity. Group discussion will focus on patient management strategies and successful treatment planning for our diabetic dental patients.