Because the symptoms of diabetes may be subtle, one in three people with the disease don’t know they have it. But untreated high blood sugar can threaten your health in many ways, including your mouth and eyes.
Diabetes and your oral health
Diabetics who have gum disease may find it more difficult to control sugar levels than diabetics who do not, which may lead to tooth loss. Diabetes also makes people more susceptible to sore or loose teeth, mouth infections, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and cavities. These oral symptoms could mean you need to be screened for diabetes:
  1. Bad breath. Sweet-smelling breath could mean the body is struggling to remove excess chemicals, which could be dangerous.
  2. Dry mouth. People with undiagnosed diabetes may experience dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath and tooth decay.
  3. Sore gums or teeth. Sore, swollen or bleeding gums could be the beginning of gum disease. The gums and the bone that hold teeth in place can become infected, and the gums could pull away from the teeth. Teeth might look longer or feel sensitive.
If you're experiencing any of the above, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor, and ask whether you should be tested for diabetes. The good news is, if you have diabetes, there are additional dental benefits available. Delta Dental of Virginia offers Healthy Smile, Healthy You®, which provides additional benefits for diabetics, and is available to members whose employer offers the program. Log into our member portal to check your benefits.
Diabetes and your eye health
Eye exams are important because your eye doctor may also be able to detect health issues such as diabetes. Diabetes affects the blood vessels, which can only be directly viewed through the back of the eye. If left untreated, those with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, where the blood vessels in your retina become damaged.

DeltaVision® is committed to providing members with eye care that supports your overall health. That’s why we offer the Diabetic Eyecare Plus ProgramSM through VSP® Vision Care. This program allows you to receive additional medical eye care from your in-network eye care provider. Members with diabetes receive a covered-in-full retinal screening, which helps your doctor establish a baseline to monitor changes in your eyes over time. If you have a diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration, you can also receive additional benefits.

Ask your benefits administrator if DeltaVision is available under your plan. Already a DeltaVision member? Visit VSP.com to log in or find an eye doctor near you.