Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a condition in which the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells, resulting in hyperglycemia. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in those with T1D. Periodontal disease (PD) is the 6th major complication of T1D. Oral bacteria have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, oral bacteria may play a causal role in cardiovascular disease. The aims of this study are to determine how subclinical measures of cardiovascular disease differ by diabetes status and how they are related to the extent of periodontal disease. It is hypothesized that people with T1D will have stiffer vessels with higher pulse wave velocity (PWV), lower brachial artery distensibility (BrachD), and higher carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) compared to non-diabetic controls. It is also hypothesized that people with T1D will have a higher prevalence of PD compared to non-diabetic controls. Study visits were performed to assess cardiovascular and periodontal outcomes in people with T1D (n=144) and non-diabetic controls (n=147). Univariate analysis was performed using t-test and chi-square to test for significant differences in vascular measures and periodontal status between T1D and controls. Age and sex-adjusted multivariate linear and logistic regression was used to further examine differences in vascular measures and periodontal disease by diabetes status. PWV was significantly higher in people with T1D compared to controls (8.390 +/- 0.111 vs. 7.822 +/- 0.108, p=0.0003). BrachD was significantly lower in people with T1D compared to controls (5.795 +/- 0.095 vs. 6.413 +/- 0.094, p<0.0001). cIMT was significantly higher in people with T1D compared to controls (0.679 +/- 0.009 vs. 0.626 +/- 0.009, p<0.0001). Adults with T1D were significantly more likely to have moderate to severe PD compared to controls (OR = 2.759, 95% CI [1.310-5.811], p=0.0076). Adults with T1D have worse cardiovascular health as measured by stiffer central vessels, more subclinical atherosclerosis, and lower peripheral vessel distensibility. Adults with T1D had almost 3-fold higher risk of moderate to severe PD compared to non-diabetic adults. The relationship between PD and the increased CVD risk in people with T1D warrants further examination.

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