Relationship between Severity of Periodontal Disease and Control of Diabetes (Glycated Hemoglobin) in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis are chronic diseases affecting large number of the population worldwide. Changes in human behavior and lifestyle over the last century have resulted in a dramatic increase in the incidence of diabetes in the world. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between severity of periodontal disease and control of diabetes (glycated hemoglobin [HBA1c]) in patients with Type 1 DM in a hospital based study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients (n = 50) with Type 1 diabetes were enrolled in the study. They were divided into three groups based on the degree of glycemic control by measuring HbA1c levels as: “Good” (HBA1c ≤7) Group A, fair (HBA1c = 7-8) Group B and poor (HBA1c >8) Group C. All enrolled patients underwent detailed history and dental checkup. Evaluation for periodontal disease was done by measuring dental plaque (plaque index), inflammation of gums (gingival index), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level. RESULTS: Type 1 diabetics with poor glycemic control had increased gingival inflammation (P < 0.05), more dental plaque (P < 0.05), increased PPDs (P < 0.05) and attachment loss (P < 0.05) as compared to those with fair and good glycemic control, respectively. CONCLUSION: Severity of periodontal disease increases with poor glycemic control in patients with Type 1 DM.