title: A qualitative examination of patient awareness and understanding of type 2 diabetes and oral health care needs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study examined awareness and understanding of the bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes and oral health care in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were held with 30 participants with type 2 diabetes. Groups were comprised of African Americans (n=16), Hispanics (n=6), and Caucasians (n=8). A grounded theory approach was used to analyse and interpret findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants were unaware of the relationship between type 2 diabetes and oral health but were concerned about the influence of poor oral health on quality of life. Having diabetes was reported as a potential challenge for the coordination and receipt of dental care. Patient-provider communication of diabetes and oral health needs were perceived to be inadequate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with type 2 diabetes are at-risk for poor oral health, yet have limited awareness and understanding of the specific oral health care needs and risks associated with type 2 diabetes. This lack of awareness and understanding of the relationship between diabetes and oral health may be an indicator of inadequate oral health literacy. Addressing the relationship between diabetes and oral health with patients may improve dental outcomes, increase quality of life, and promote oral health literacy in at-risk populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1450 Washington Hts., Ann Arbor, MI, United States. Electronic address: mvalerio@umich.edu.
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Valerio
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
authors.forename: Preetha P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Kanjirath
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
authors.forename: Christine P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Klausner
authors.affiliation: Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
authors.forename: Mathilde C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Peters
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009909:Oral Health