July 2012

Background: A reciprocal relationship between diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis has been described, whereby chronic periodontal infection could affect diabetic metabolic control. Therefore, periodontal therapy could influence metabolic control or systemic inflammation leading to diabetic complications. This case report series presents the effect of therapy on periodontal indices, glycated haemoglobin (HbA ) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in a group of type 2 diabetic 1c patients. Methods: Seventeen diabetic patients diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis received periodontal therapy. All patients received a hygienic phase of treatment and were re-examined 3 months later. At re-examination, subjects judged to need periodontal surgery were treated and re-examined after a further 3 months. A complete clinical examination and measurements of HbA and hs-CRP were 1c evaluated. Results: Periodontal treatment led to a significant improvement in periodontal indices; only five patients required periodontal surgery. The percentage of bleeding on probing was reduced by nearly 40%; percentage of pockets ≥ 5 mm was less than half baseline values; mean pocket depth reduction was 1.21 mm (0.58) and attachment level gain was 0.74 mm (0.69). Nevertheless, no changes were present for HbA ; a reduction in hs-CRP of 1.37 mg/L (2.67) was present. Main finding: Periodontal 1c therapy in this case series group produced a significant improvement in the clinical condition, but did not affect metabolic control. It led to a decrease in hs-CRP.