CONTEXT: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases of the modern times and the most frequent systemic disorder connected with the development of periodontal disease. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or secretion. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by infection of supporting tissues of teeth and may subsequently lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The pathogenic collagenic mechanisms of diabetes stimulate the more intense progression of periodontal disease. These mechanisms include metabolic impairment, vascular changes, and changes of microbiotic flora in periodontal pocket and functional disorders of leukocytes. Tooth loss is an inevitable result of periodontal disease and destructive features of periodontal disease are more common in diabetics. Also, the prevalence of periodontal disease and the need of dental treatment are significantly higher in diabetes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare & correlate the number of missing tooth in a group of 100 diabetic patients with that of 100 non-diabetic individuals (30-60 years of age). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 individuals (100 diabetic & 100 control) were examined for dental status. Dental status was recorded for the teeth that were missing including third molars. Diabetic patients with other systemic manifestations like hypertension, cardiac diseases were excluded from the study. Data were collected on the subject's age, sex, occupation and location. All data were recorded in WHO Oral Health assessment forms. Appropriate statistical tests were employed for analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Kruskal Wallis Chi-square test was employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: The mean number of missing teeth in diabetic group was found to be 6.45 which significantly exceeded that of control group (1.43; p<0.001). The mean number of teeth present was found to be higher in control group, the mean number of missing teeth was found to be higher in diabetic group.