The number of new cases of diabetes in the US declined to 1.4 million in 2014 from 1.7 million in 2008, according to a report from the CDC. The report stated that an improvement in healthy eating habits, a decline in the amount of soda drank since the late 1990s and a decrease in the average number of daily calories consumed by adults and children, as well as an increase in physical activity and the flattened rates of obesity, may have contributed to the decline in new diabetes cases.

In short, the experts believe this turning of the corner on diabetes is all about the patient, not about primary medical care. Adults it seems, are more conscious of their diet and are more active. Health matters.

We see the same attitudes and consciousness about health in our surveys of adult dental patients. There is a NEW dental patient who wants to avoid chronic dental surgery, not just because of the cost, but also because they know about the links between good oral health and good overall health. 4 of 10 adult dental patients say this is why they sit in the waiting room. 

My guess is that many endocrinologists would be surprised about the CDC’s data which shows a turning the corner in the diabetes epidemic. Many are too close to their patients and their standard procedures and don’t see this big trend.

And my guess is that the same applies to dental professionals. Too busy in their day to day routines to see the shift in the attitudes and motivations of their patients towards more preventive care.

For more, please visit: http://partnersinprevention.ca/turning-the-corner-on-chronic-disease-management/.

By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – http://www.partnersinprevention.ca/