Relationship between hyperglycemia and periodontal symptoms in Korean type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged ≥ 50 years

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a disease that reduces quality of life and has a variety of oral manifestations. This study analyzed the relationship between the hemoglobin A1c level, an index that reflects the average blood glucose level over the preceding 2 to 3 months, and self-reported periodontal symptoms in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods/Statistical analysis: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 156 patients aged ≥ 50 years who had type 2 diabetes mellitus. A questionnaire was used to investigate their general characteristics, oral health behaviors, and self-reported periodontal symptoms. The hemoglobin A1c test was conducted to assess the blood glucose level of the participants. The outcome variable was the number of self-reported periodontal symptoms. Independent t-tests and logistic regression analysis were performed for statistical analysis. Findings: Self-reported periodontal symptoms differed significantly according to sex, average monthly income, frequency of tooth-brushing, recent dental check-ups and hemoglobin A1c level (p < 0.05). In the regression model adjusted for general characteristics and oral health behaviors, a higher hemoglobin A1c level was associated with a higher risk of periodontal symptoms (p < 0.01). The results of this investigation indicate that chronic hyperglycemia is associated with the development of periodontal symptoms. Improvements/Applications: In future studies, additional risk factors for periodontal inflammation should be considered and the number of participants should be increased. © 2019, Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. All rights reserved.