Relationship Between Hyperglycemia and Periodontal Symptoms in Korean Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Aged ≥ 50 Years

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.

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.

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.

In future studies, additional risk factors for periodontal inflammation should be considered and the number of participants should be increased.