Awareness about Diabetic Microangiopathy among Dental Practitioners
Author(s): Dhanraj ganapathy*, Ramya Ramadoss and Martina Catherine
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetic microangiopathy is distinguished by abnormal development and permeability of small blood vessels, culminating in local edema and impaired function of dependent tissues. Microcirculation dysfunction in diabetes is caused by a variety of mechanisms that are still completely unknown.
Aim: The purpose of the survey was for assessing the awareness about diabetic microangiopathy among dental practitioners.
Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey was performed with a self-designed questionnaire with ten questions circulated amongst 100 dental practitioners. The questionnaire assessed the awareness about diabetic microangiopathy, the molecular mechanism of action, pathological pathways of diabetic microangiopathy, advanced glycation end products, vascular pericytes, the role of hyperosmolar stress, and management of diabetic microangiopathy. The responses were recorded, tabulated, and analyzed.
Results: 87% of the respondents were aware of diabetic microangiopathy, 5% were aware of the pathological mechanism of diabetic microangiopathy, 5% were aware of the advanced glycation endproducts, 4% were aware of the role of pericytes in diabetic microangiopathy, 3% were aware of the role of hyperosmolar stress in .diabetic microangiopathy and 97% were aware of effects of diabetes on oral diseases. The awareness levels about diabetic microangiopathy were similar among the general dental practitioners and specialists with no statistically significant differences (p>0.05; Pearson's chi-square test)
Conclusion: Awareness about diabetic microangiopathy and the effect of diabetes on oral diseases was high among dental practitioners. However, the knowledge and awareness about the mechanisms and management strategies for diabetic microangiopathy were inadequate. Hence more intense awareness and continuing education programs should be initiated rigorously to enhance better understanding of diabetic microangiopathy amongst dental practitioners.