Gingival inflammation as a sign of diabetic systemic chronic complications

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder and the high level of blood glucose has profound effects on various systems of the human body. DM increases the risk of periodontal disease and the severe periodontal disease often coexists in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. The aim of the study was to analyse periodontal health in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 related to diabetic complications and glycohemoglobin A1c values. Methodology: One hundred patients with periodontitis and type 2 DM participated in the study. According to the glycohemoglobin A1c value they were divided in 4 groups: group 1 (4%-6% normal), group 2 (6.1%-7% good), group 3 (7.1%-8% moderately poor), group 4 (> 8% poor metabolic control). The presence of chronic systemic microvascular diabetic complications (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) was recorded and periodontal assessments (Plaque, Gingival, Calculus and Periodontal Disease Index) performed. The results were statistically analysed using MS Office Excel, program SPSS, 15.0 version. Results: Gingival index values depended on the level of HbA1c values and higher values of the Gingival and Periodontal Disease Index were noticed as the value of glycohemoglobin A1c was rising (p<0,001). Gingival index values were higher in diabetics with diabetic chronic microvascular complications (p<0.001). Conclusion: It is observed that pronounced gingival inflammation in diabetics is associated with systemic diabetic complications and poor glycemic control.