Looking for problems. Dental exam checks both teeth and gums for issues.
Dogs with dental infections may have stubbornly high blood glucose levels. Since it's not always obvious that a tooth is infected, it's possible for this infection to be hidden, and appear only as a mysterious regulation problem. [1][2]
Illness places the body under stress, which can raise blood glucose levels. It also goes to work trying to rid itself of the problem; this causes some hormonal release of some of the same counter-regulatory hormones the body releases when it feels it's being threatened with hypoglycemia. [3] This can make it difficult to keep in good control using the same amount of insulin when there's no illness. Humans with diabetes have "sick day" plans; on those days, more insulin, more blood glucose testing and checking for ketones may be needed.
Ask your vet about dental procedures. Warning: Many vets will refuse to perform a dental procedure on an unregulated diabetic, even if the infection is what's causing the lack of regulation. Yet another vicious circle in diabetes. 
References[]
- ↑ Cook, Audrey (1 April 2010). Identifying the reasons behind difficult-to-control diabetes in dogs. DVM 360.
- ↑ Brooks, Wendy C.. Diabetes Mellitus Center. Veterinary Partner.
- ↑ When You're Sick. American Diabetes Association.
List of Board-Certified Veterinary Dentists[]
More Information[]
- Diabetes and Periodontal Infection: Making the Connection Southerland, Janet H., et. al., 2005, Clinical Diabetes
Although this is a human-based article, it gives a fine overview of the special dental problems of diabetes. - Management of multiple dental infections in a dog with diabetes mellitus Van Nice E., 2006, Journal of Veterinary Dentistry
- Periodontal disease Niemiec BA., 2008, Top Companion Animal Medicine
- Home Care for Prevension of Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats-Page 4 Hale, Frasier, 2006, Hill's NAVC/WVC Symposiums