Effects of periodontal therapy on glucose management in people with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes Metab. 2011 Nov;37(5):456-9. doi: 10.1016/j.diabet.2011.05.004. Epub 2011 Jul 16.

Abstract

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of intensive periodontal therapy on HbA(1c) in a mixed diabetes mellitus (DM) (types 1 and 2) population with moderate periodontitis (PD).

Methods: A total of 93 subjects with PD and DM, recruited from referrals to the Department of Endocrinology at the Perugia Hospital, were included in a follow-up cohort clinical study comprising two parallel periodontal therapy groups-one receiving intensive periodontal therapy (IPT, n=44) and the other serving as controls (CPT, n=49)-with an 8-month follow-up. Clinical periodontal examinations and blood samples were collected 4 and 8 months after the completion of therapy.

Results: The IPT group presented with greater reductions of all periodontal indices compared with the CPT group at both follow-ups (P<0.001). Whereas, after 4 months, there were no major differences in HbA(1c) levels between groups, after 8 months, the IPT group presented with a 0.57% (95% CI: 0.12 to 1.09) greater reduction in HbA(1c) than the CPT group (P=0.03). This reduction was independent of age, gender, smoking and body mass index. However, the difference in HbA(1c) was greater in individuals with type 2 DM (0.95% reduction, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.58; P=0.004) compared with those with type 1 DM.

Conclusion: IPT resulted in greater improvement of gingival health in patients with DM. Improved oral health in those with type 2 DM may have an effect on medium-term glucose management and could possibly lead to long-term health benefits. (ISRCTN00559156).

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Oral Health*
  • Periodontal Diseases / complications
  • Periodontal Diseases / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • hemoglobin A1c protein, human

Associated data

  • ISRCTN/ISRCTN00559156