A Three-Month Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Adjunctive Non-Surgical Therapy for Periodontitis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Conventional periodontal treatment for patients with diabetes has shown promising results, primarily focusing on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels as an endpoint measure. The properties of hyaluronic acid (HA) have been harnessed in various periodontal therapies, and it is a promising agent also in a non-surgical approach. The aim of this clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid in a local adjunctive non-surgical treatment for periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Eighty adult participants with well-controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 7% (53 mmol/mol) or less) took part in the trial. The clinical parameters of periodontitis as well as the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were evaluated, and an analysis of the potential differences between the control (placebo) and intervention (HA) groups was performed. Results/Conclusions: A decrease in all the clinical values of periodontitis after treatment was observed in the vast majority of patients in both groups. Differences in the clinical parameters were observed 12 weeks after the intervention between the patients in the placebo and HA therapy groups. Bleeding on probing (BoP) was reduced in the control group to 15–25% and was approximately 5.5% more in the intervention group (9.5–18.25%). The clinical attachment level (CAL) decreased 1 mm more in the HA therapy group (1–2 mm) than in the no adjunctive treatment group (2–3 mm). The probing depth (PD) was reduced similarly in both groups (3–3.75 mm). Due to the bilateral relationship between diabetes and periodontitis, healthcare professionals seek advancements in managing periodontal inflammation. The results of this study indicate that non-surgical periodontal treatment with HA as an adjunctive agent is worth considering in the therapy for patients with diabetes.