Metabolic Moment: Signs of Diabetes and Heart Disease Show Up in Your Mouth
Contributed by Coach Ken Hagler & Dr. Lauren Gagliano
Diabetes doesn’t just show up in your belly or your blood. According to health experts, dentists can often see the first warning signs—right inside your mouth.
When you eat carbohydrates, saliva begins breaking them down into sugar. That process signals the brain that sugar is coming, which then tells the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a fleet of tiny dump trucks, picking up sugar and delivering it to the body’s cells.
But when sugar is consumed too often, the system is overloaded. The “dump trucks” work overtime until they become less effective. Over time, the body stops responding to insulin properly, leaving sugar to build up and get stored in the liver, muscles, blood, brain, and even reproductive organs. This condition, known as insulin resistance, is a major driver of diabetes.
Excess sugar also fuels harmful bacteria in the mouth, creating cavities and inflamed gums that become red and sore. The bacteria from periodontitis (gum disease) has been found in the blood of patients with heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's.
There are some simple things you can do right now. Experts suggest simple steps to reduce the strain: drink water, eat whole foods, and avoid constant snacking. These changes give insulin time to “rest,” helping it work the way it should and helping you feel great again!
Healthy Together & Feeling Great is your local metabolic health team supporting you. We provide 1 on 1 coaching with nutraceuticals, in-service presentations for local businesses and even CEU credits. Visit us at www.alaskahealthy.live, email at alaskahealhy@gmail.com or call/text at 707.533.4536
FREE METABOLIC HEALTH SEMINAR on September 27th at Noon at Matsu Evangelical Covenant Church at 5201 E Mayflower Lane in Wasilla. Immediately following the Alaska Health Fair at the same location.