Periodontal status of diabetic and non-diabetic men: Effects of smoking, glycemic control, and socioeconomic factors

PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS MORE PREVALENT and more severe in diabetic than in nondiabetic individuals but the magnitude of this increase is still being debated. This prospective, cross-sectional study compared the periodontal status of 118 diabetic men and 115 age-matched non-diabetic men. Plaque and gingival indices, bleeding scores, probing depth, loss of attachment, and number of missing teeth were measured in a blinded manner. Smoking status, glycemic control, socioeconomic status, and previous dental care were also assessed. These parameters were significantly higher in diabetic than non-diabetic men: plaque index, P < 0.0001; gingival index, P < 0.0002; bleeding score, P < 0.0001; probing depth, P = 0.0059; loss of attachment, P < 0.0001; and missing teeth, P < 0.005. These parameters were significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers: gingival index, probing depth, and loss of attachment. The duration of diabetes was not significantly related to the periodontal measures. Glycemic control as assessed by fasting plasma glucose and glycohemoglobin values was not significantly correlated to periodontal status. These studies indicate, for this study group, that diabetes significantly affects all measured parameters of periodontal status.