The Influence of Periodontal Disease on Changes of Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Type 2 Diabetics

Background: Little evidence is available regarding the effects of long-term periodontal infection on diabetes control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of periodontal status on changes of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of type 2 diabetics. Materials and methods: 30 Patients (35 years or older) with type 2 diabetes were included. Patients were non-smokers, and were under use of anti-diabetic drugs. Demographics, health history and HbA1c levels were retrieved from medical charts. Probing depth (PD) and relative attachment loss (AL) were recorded at baseline and after 3 months. Results: The level of HbA1c was found to positively correlate with the severity of periodontitis. In case of patients with severe periodontitis it was seen that there was a concomitant increase in Hba1c level at 3 month recall. Conclusion: The progression of periodontitis was associated with increases in HbA1c in type 2 diabetics. The identification of these risk factor suggests that periodontal treatment may improve glycemic control of type 2diabetic patients by eliminating periodontal infection.