Researchers Find Common Blood Factor Linked To Diabetes, Gum Disease

U.S. researchers have identified the inflammatory factors – blood cells involved in human immune response – shared by type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. So-called B cells were shown to promote inflammation and bone loss in type 2 diabetes-associated gum disease. The researchers suggested that treatments that manipulate the responses of B cells may treat or prevent the problem. B cell-targeting drugs are already available to treat B cell cancers.