title: Co-morbidity of Diabetes Mellitus and Orodental Diseases in Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although several epidemiological studies have reported an association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and orodental health. However, the occurrence of the co-morbidity of both diseases has been more of suspicion than evidence-based. DM is a serious public health concern globally, and in Nigeria. Studies have separately documented the prevalence of DM and orodental diseases, but data lack to adequately rationalise co-morbidity of both diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to report evidence of co-morbidity of DM and orodental diseases in Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data published between December, 1970 and June, 2015 were used in writing the review. These data were collated from electronic literature archives and databases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review suggests evidence of the association of DM and orodental diseases. It revealed that both diseases are densely distributed in South-East, South-South and South-West geopolitical zones of Nigeria, and sparsely spread across other regions of the country.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Co-morbidity of both diseases holds promise that will favour public health practice, especially in Nigeria. It is hoped that the association may lead to the establishment of a cost-effective DM screening protocol in Nigeria. Again, screening of DM in dentistries and vice versa may be possible through the relationship of both diseases. It is recommended that the driving force of the co-morbidity be investigated.
authors.affiliation: School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, NSW. Australia.
authors.forename: Anayochukwu Edward
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Anyasodor
authors.affiliation: School of Community Health, 346 Leeds Parade, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800. Australia.
authors.forename: Ezekiel Uba
authors.initials: EU
authors.lastname: Nwose
authors.affiliation: School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, NSW. Australia.
authors.forename: Ross Stuart
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, NSW. Australia.
authors.forename: Phillip Taderera
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Bwititi
authors.affiliation: Department of Public & Community Health, Novena University, Delta State. Nigeria.
authors.forename: Kester Awharentomah
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Digban
authors.affiliation: Dental Clinic, Eku Baptist Hospital, Delta State. Nigeria.
authors.forename: Luke Itietie
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Mudiaga
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka. Nigeria.
authors.forename: Eferhire
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Aganbi
authors.affiliation: Catholic Hospital Abbi, Delta State. Nigeria.
authors.forename: Okuguni
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ojodeme
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009057:Stomatognathic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
keywords: Co-morbidity; Nigeria; diabetes mellitus; opportunistic screening; orodental health; type 2 diabetes mellitus