Effects of ‘Simple' Periodontal therapy on metabolic control in diabetics

It is well established that diabetes is a risk factor in periodontal disease. Interventional trials have shown that periodontal disease could be effectively controlled; however there has been no consistent agreement as to whether periodontal treatment could improve metabolic control in diabetes. Objective: to find out the effects of simple periodontal treatment on the metabolic control in subjects with diabetes. Methods: 87 adults with type II diabetes participated in the study. Full mouth periodontal examination was carried out at baseline followed by scaling +oral hygiene. Subjects were reviewed after 3 months. Blood analysis for HbA1c, hsCRP and cholesterol were also performed at baseline and 3 months. Results: There was a significant improvement in plaque and gingival bleeding scores at 3 months (paired t test P<0.05). Reduction in probing depths of more than 4mm was also found. When subjects with acceptable and unacceptable glycaemic control (Hba1c < or ≥8%) was compared, no marked changes in metabolic control was detected in those with Hba1c<8%; however participants with unacceptable glycaemic control at baseline showed an improvement in HbA1c and a decrease in total cholesterol level. Conclusion: Simple periodontal therapy is effective in improving periodontal health, for those with poor glycaemic control, periodontal treatment may confer additional benefits in metabolic control