IADR Abstract Archives
Edentulism, periodontitis and glycemic control - a cross-sectional study
Objectives: Role of periodontal disease on sugar control and vice versa has been subjected to numerous investigations. The above association seems to be bi-directional. Within this context, it is logical to argue that those without teeth have better control of their sugar levels as edentulousness removes the periodontal disease associated infection and inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a cross-sectional study among Brazilian adults.
Methods: Demographic information, medication history, clinical and fasting blood glucose (FBG) information were collected from medical/dental records of non-smoking subjects with healthy periodontal tissues (N=61), mild periodontitis (N=35), moderate periodontitis (N=43), severe periodontitis (N=31) and those who were edentulous (N=142). All patients had a medical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and were taking at least one of the following medications: metformin, glinbenclamide and insulin. Clinical periodontal exam was performed using a 15 mm periodontal probe and patients were classified according to CDC/AAP Classification. FBG levels were evaluated among groups while controlling for age, gender and medication history using regression analysis.
Results: Mean (SD) blood glucose levels among groups were healthy = 127.4 (36.2); mild = 115.8 (37.2); moderate = 134.4 (35.8); severe = 139.7 (31.2); and edentulous = 155.7 (70.7). Eleven percent of the variance in FBG levels were explained by age, gender, and periodontal status (p<0.0001). Age and periodontal status were significant predictors of FBG levels.
Conclusions: Although one would expect edentulous people to have better control of blood sugar levels, we failed to demonstrate that. This needs confirmation in larger studies perhaps using prospective designs.
Methods: Demographic information, medication history, clinical and fasting blood glucose (FBG) information were collected from medical/dental records of non-smoking subjects with healthy periodontal tissues (N=61), mild periodontitis (N=35), moderate periodontitis (N=43), severe periodontitis (N=31) and those who were edentulous (N=142). All patients had a medical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and were taking at least one of the following medications: metformin, glinbenclamide and insulin. Clinical periodontal exam was performed using a 15 mm periodontal probe and patients were classified according to CDC/AAP Classification. FBG levels were evaluated among groups while controlling for age, gender and medication history using regression analysis.
Results: Mean (SD) blood glucose levels among groups were healthy = 127.4 (36.2); mild = 115.8 (37.2); moderate = 134.4 (35.8); severe = 139.7 (31.2); and edentulous = 155.7 (70.7). Eleven percent of the variance in FBG levels were explained by age, gender, and periodontal status (p<0.0001). Age and periodontal status were significant predictors of FBG levels.
Conclusions: Although one would expect edentulous people to have better control of blood sugar levels, we failed to demonstrate that. This needs confirmation in larger studies perhaps using prospective designs.