Diabetes and periodontal diseases

There is convincing evidence to support the fact that diabetes mellitus (DM)-type 1 and 2, especially if poorly controlled-is a risk factor for periodontitis that increases the risk of the onset and progression of periodontitis. Evidence also suggests that advanced periodontitis compromises glycaemic control. This is a two-way relationship. Patients with severe periodontitis and MD suffer a higher incidence of cardiac and renal mortality and microalbuminuria than patients without MD periodontitis.

The periodontal treatment has been associated with improvements in short-term glycaemic control (with reductions of approximately 0.4% in the value of HbA1c, as reported in systematic reviews with meta-analysis). However, studies are needed

to determine the optimal periodontal treatment to achieve and maintain better glycaemic control and determine whether prevention or treatment of periodontitis will lead to the reduction of diabetic complications, such as cardiovascular and renal pathologies.