Periodontitis in Diabetes Mellitus: Same Disease Presentation as Non-diabetic Individuals?

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for periodontitis. Patients with DM have higher susceptibility for more severe periodontal destruction. Objectives: To investigate the difference in periodontal presentation of type 2 DM subjects with non-DM subjects

Methods: This preliminary study included 40 subjects with type 2 DM recruited from DM Research and Training Centre and 40 age- and gender-matched non-diabetic subjects from the General Out-patient Clinic of Tung Wah Eastern Hospital. Glucose control levels and periodontal parameters (CAL, %Pl, PPD, and FMBS) were recorded. Smoking status was adjusted in subsequent regression analysis.

Results: For DM subjects the mean duration of diagnosed DM was 10 years with mean HbA1c value 8% and mean fasting glucose level 7.9mmol/L. The mean plaque level was the same in both groups (%Pl=81%) and exhibited similar gingival bleeding (DM subjects FMBS=64%; non-DM group FMBS=57%). The DM subjects have an average of 6 missing teeth while the non-DM subjects have 3 (p=0.01). The mean PPD was 2.74mm for the DM subjects and 2.54mm for the non-DM subjects. Regression analysis showed DM duration associated with full mouth CAL (p=0.006).

Conclusions: The preliminary results indicated no difference in the periodontal presentations while DM individuals experienced more missing teeth. Diabetes duration showed some correlation with the severity of periodontal attachment loss. Periodontal therapy should be targeted for all DM subjects, in particularly those with long disease history.