Colgate Total® Joins the American Diabetes Association® and TV Host Karla Martinez to Share the Everyday Reality of Latinx Living with Diabetes

USA - English

• USA - español

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Every morning, 23 million Americans suffering from diabetes must make careful decisions to manage their daily living: what to eat, what to drink, how to exercise – and even what toothpaste to use. During the month of November – American Diabetes Month® -- the American Diabetes Association® is conducting a new "Everyday Reality" campaign to bring greater awareness to these daily challenges and build support for those living with the disease. 

Colgate Total®, a long-standing partner of the American Diabetes Association®, is sponsoring this new campaign to also draw attention to the important connection between diabetes and gum disease.

The everyday reality of living with diabetes in the Latinx community is being brought to life by Colgate Total® spokesperson, TV personality and mother of two, Karla Martinez, who is helping spread the word about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums through a series of tips on digital and social media on @KarlaMartinezTV.

Oral healthcare is a critical part of everyday life for Latinx with diabetes and prediabetes to avoid complications. Latinx experience higher rates of overall oral health issues such as cavities and bleeding gums than the non-Hispanic white population¹, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease.² Gum disease can begin with the more common swelling and bleeding of the gums – the telltale signs of gingivitis.

While living with diabetes often means changes in almost every routine which adds to the everyday struggle, when it comes to oral care a simple switch can have meaningful benefits. According to dental experts, active oral care routines, such as brushing with an anti-gingivitis toothpaste, are among the best ways to protect against the development of gum disease. The unique formula of Colgate Total® toothpaste is unsurpassed in its ability to prevent and reverse gingivitis, making it a helpful ally for those at greater risk for gum disease, such as people with diabetes.

A combination of various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, lack of disease awareness, and health insurance disparities contribute to the higher rates of diabetes and oral care disparities among Latinx. The "Everyday Reality" campaign aims to shine a light on the challenges that people with diabetes face daily, from the moment they wake up and brush their teeth.

"The prevalence of diabetes is higher in the Latino community than the overall U.S. population," says Karla Martinez. "Through leading by example with my family, I am committed to raising awareness for healthy lifestyles throughout my community. One easy step I take is keeping my mouth healthy. That's why I use and recommend Colgate Total. It can prevent or reverse gingivitis and protect my teeth from cavaties."

For more information about the "Everyday Reality" of living with diabetes, and to learn how you can help raise awareness and support the diabetes community, visit diabetes.org/everydayreality or www.SaludOralyDiabetes.com. And follow the #EverydayReality conversation on @Colgate, @AmDiabetesAssn and @KarlaMartinezTV.

About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom's of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive's global business, visit the Company's web site at www.Colgate.com. To learn more about Colgate's global oral health education program, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures^TM, please visit http://www.colgatebsbf.com.

About the American Diabetes Association
Approximately every 21 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes. Nearly half of the American adult population has diabetes or prediabetes, and more than 30 million adults and children are living with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization on a mission to prevent and cure diabetes, as well as improve the lives of all people affected by the disease. For nearly 80 years, the ADA has driven discovery by funding research to treat, manage and prevent all types of diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure. Magnifying the urgency of this epidemic, the ADA works to safeguard policies and programs that protect people with the illness, those at risk of developing diabetes and the health care professionals who serve them by initiating programs, advocacy and education efforts that can lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit us at diabetes.org. Information is available in English and Spanish. Join the conversation with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). 

¹ Conducted by Toluna, the Colgate multicultural oral care survey was fielded from March 3-27, 2016, among 3,168 U.S. adults 18 and older in English and Spanish
² Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf

SOURCE Colgate-Palmolive