The effect of improved periodontal health on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of improved periodontal health on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourty-four patients with type 2 DM were selected. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. Data collection: Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment levels (CALs), gingival recession (GR) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline at 1st and 3rd months. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h post-prandial glucose (PPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and microalbuminure were analysed at baseline, 3 months following the periodontal therapy. The treatment group received full-mouth scaling and root planing whereas the control group received no periodontal treatment. RESULTS: A statistically significant effect could be demonstrated for PI, GI, PPD, CAL and BOP for the treatment group. HbA1c levels in the treatment group decreased significantly whereas the control group showed a slight but insignificant increase for this parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that non-surgical periodontal treatment is associated with improved glycaemic control in type 2 patients and could be undertaken along with the standard measures for the diabetic patient care.