Knowledge, Practices, Nutritional Value and Periodontal Disease Status among Type 2 Diabetes Patients-A Cross Sectional Study

Context: WHO theme of the year 2016 is BEAT DIABETES as they considered diabetes prevalence is increasing rapidly in many countries. It has quadrupled to 422 million adults since 1980 with majority in developing countries. Numerous risk factors that can worsen the periodontal status of diabetes individuals include poor oral hygiene, poor metabolic control, longer duration of diabetes and who are smokers. (4) Not much studies have been conducted in this aspect. Hence a humble attempt has been made to assess oral health knowledge, nutritional value, practice and periodontal disease status among diabetes patients. Aims: To assess the knowledge, nutritional value, oral hygiene practice, awareness among type 2 diabetic patients. To assess periodontal disease level using CPI Index. To assess association between knowledge, nutritional value, oral hygiene practice and periodontal status Settings and Design: This study was a cross sectional descriptive survey among type II diabetic individuals visiting SRM Medical College and Hospital at kanchipuram district, Methods and Material: Tamilnadu during the year 2016. Participants were selected by simple random sampling. Study was conducted by two well-trained dentist, one examiner conducted the survey and other examiner performed examination of oral cavity. Statistical analysis used: To analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were applied; distribution frequency and percentage in terms of demographic characteristics and diabetes-related variables were expressed. To evaluate the homogeneity and similarity of all three groups, we used chi square Results: Total of 365 diabetes patients participated in the study. Among this majority were males (51.5 %) and females (48.5 %). Most of the patient were there in the age group of 51-60years (35.9 %).93.4 % 0f the patients were aware that diabetes is one of the most common systemic diseases currently.37.8 % were unaware of the various risk factors for diabetes.80 % of patients said that they received diet counseling and 65.5 % of patients have been reported to follow a proper diet plan. Among these 44.4 % were following a carbohydrate rich diet plan.45.5 % of patients were regularly following the diet plan for a period of more than 3 months.55.3 % preferred dietary fibers as food source best suited to control diabetes. , 11.5 % had a habit of smoking and 17.5 % were reported with a habit of alcohol consumption and 3.6 % of patients were reported to have been using other kinds of tobacco products.78.6 % of patients brushed their teeth once a day. Among these 99.7 % were using brush and paste as a source of cleaning.34.8 % of the patients were reported to visit the dentist once a year followed by 13.2 % for every months and 11 % for every 3 months whereas 41 % of patients have never undergone dental checkup. Out of these 42.5 % stated that the dentist was aware of their condition on diabetes. Conclusions: In conclusion this study revealed that overall knowledge of patients with diabetes appeared to be acceptable and there was adequate knowledge among the diabetic patients. However practices among diabetes patients needs to be promoted to enhance periodontal status.