Evaluation of the relationship between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) and severity of periodontal disease (PD).

METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six Saudi diabetic females, aged 35-70 years, attending the Diabetic Center of King Abdul-Aziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In Group I (better control with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <9%) we assigned 74 subjects and in Group II (poor control with HbA1c >9%) 52 subjects. The periodontal parameters recorded were plaque index, bleeding index, presence of calculus, pocket depth measurement, and clinical attachment level. These parameters were evaluated in a randomized half mouth examination.

RESULTS: Age, duration of diabetes, percentage of plaque index and bleeding index showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. In contrast, there was a significantly higher percentage of calculus, PD >/- 4 mm and loss of attachment level (3-4 mm) in the poorly controlled diabetic patients, as compared to the better-controlled group.

CONCLUSION: There was a significant association of the loss of attachment level (3-4 mm) with PD in poorly controlled diabetic patients, as compared to better-controlled patients. Poor-control diabetics (Group II) exhibited an increased percentage of calculus and greater risk for periodontitis.