Does Improved Periodontal Health affect Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus? A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is considered as the “sixth complication of diabetes mellitus”. Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to have increased susceptibility to infections which lead to poor metabolic control. Although it has been reported that improved metabolic control may lead to improved periodontal health it is still unclear whether the control of periodontal infections may improve the metabolic control of diabetes.

Aim: To compare the effect of periodontal therapy on metabolic and inflammatory markers in diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods: The study type was in vivo comparative study. 60 patients were selected for the study using simple random sampling method. The patients were grouped into control and case with 30 in each group. In all patients, plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were assessed with the help of with The University of North Carolina probe (UNC-15) probe at baseline, 1 month and 3 month. Similarly, venous blood samples were taken for evaluating fasting glucose level, post prandial glucose level, glycated haemoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline, 1 month and 3 month. In treatment group, full mouth scaling and root planing was done and oral hygiene instructions was provided.

Results: The result of the study suggested that non surgical periodontal therapy helps in controlling glycemic level and CRP values in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion: Non-surgical periodontal treatment is associated with improved glycaemic control and reduction in CRP level in patients with DM.