Evaluation of the relationship between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease.

The association between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus has been explored by many researchers over the years. Periodontal signs and symptoms are now recognized as the 'sixth complication of diabetes'. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) and severity of periodontal disease. A total of 126 Saudi female patients diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes were examined. Group I (better control with Hb A1 c less than 9%) included 74 patients, and Group II (poor control with Hb A1c more than 9%) included 52 subjects. The periodontal parameters recorded were plaque index, bleeding index, presence of calculus, pocket depth measurement and clinical attachment level. These parameters were evaluated in a randomized half mouth examination on four sites of each tooth (mesial, distal, buccal and lingual). The results of this study showed that the age, duration of diabetes, percentage of plaque index and bleeding index showed no significant difference between the two groups. In contrast, there was a significantly higher percentage of calculus, PD > or = 4 mm and loss of attachment level (3-4 mm) in the poorly controlled diabetic patients, as compared to the better-controlled group. The result obtained showed a significant association of the loss of attachment level (3-4 mm) with periodontal disease in poorly controlled diabetic patients, as compared to better-controlled patients. Poor-control diabetics (group II) exhibited an increased percentage of calculus and greater risk for periodontitis.