Level of information about the relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis - results from a nationwide diabetes information program

Abstract

BackgroundA comprehensive knowledge about the mutual influence between diabetes and periodontitis is decisive for the successful treatment of both diseases. The present investigation aimed at assessing the diabetic and periodontal conditions and, in particular, the degree of knowledge about the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis.MethodsDuring a diabetes information program, 111 nondiabetics (ND), 101 type 1 diabetics (T1D), and 236 type 2 diabetics (T2D) were subject to a medical and dental examination and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Medical examination included measurements of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood glucose (BG), and body mass index (BMI). Full-mouth examination consisted of the assessment of the decayed, missing, filled teeth index (DMFT) and the periodontal screening index (PSI). Chi-square test, ANOVA, t test of independent samples, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models with variable selection strategies were used for statistical analyses. Due to the exploratory character of the investigation a value of P ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically substantial.ResultsT2D had a significantly higher PSI when compared to T1D and ND (t test: P <0.001; P = 0.005). Approximately 90% of T2D suffered from periodontitis. In addition, diabetics with periodontitis showed a significantly higher BMI when compared to diabetics without periodontitis (multivariate logistic regression: P = 0.002). Almost 60% of all investigated subjects were not informed about the mutual influence between diabetes and periodontitis. T2D had almost as little information about the increased risk for periodontitis as ND.ConclusionsThe data of the present investigation suggest that there is a strong association between type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis. The lack of awareness of the mutual influence between diabetes and periodontitis, especially in T2D, demonstrates that this topic is still neglected in dental and diabetic treatment.

The Effects of Initial Periodontal Therapy on the Serum Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor‐κβ Ligand/Osteoprotegerin System in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis

“…Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a disease caused by bacteria that destroys the periodontal connective tissue and the alveolar bone, and the damage process is thought to be a result of the complex interaction between the periodontal pathogens and the immuno‐inflammatory responses of the host 1 . Studies over the past 20 years have found that periodontitis might be related to several systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus 2–4 . CP and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could bidirectionally influence each other because of their common immuno‐inflammatory mechanisms, and patients with T2DM have a significantly higher periodontal screening index than patients with type 1 diabetes and those without diabetes 4 …”

“…Studies over the past 20 years have found that periodontitis might be related to several systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus 2–4 . CP and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could bidirectionally influence each other because of their common immuno‐inflammatory mechanisms, and patients with T2DM have a significantly higher periodontal screening index than patients with type 1 diabetes and those without diabetes 4 …”

Glycemic control and adipokines after periodontal therapy in patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis

“…6,7,8,9 A large number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated that T2DM may increase the risk of CP by two-to three-fold. 10,11,12 Conversely, CP may be a risk factor for worsened glycemic control in diabetic individuals and may increase the risk of related complications. 13,14 Currently, the mechanism by which T2DM influences CP is relatively clear, but the direct effect of CP on T2DM is not yet well understood.…”

Knowledge levels and attitudes of diabetic patients about their disease

“…Another study conducted by Foma et al (15) with diabetic patients found that the majority of patients had little information about diabetes, such as its causes, complications, prevention and management (15). Danquah et al (28) found that patients maintained a diet high in carbohydrates, sodium, and fat and that physical activity was generally low, and another study found that type 2 diabetes patients' awareness of oral health was inadequate (29). Dündar et al (20) reported that half of diabetic patients have adequate knowledge about diabetes.…”