Periodontitis in patients with diabetes- A complication that impacts on metabolic control

Abstract

Diabetes and periodontal diseases (PDs) exhibit a bidirectional relationship centered on an enhanced inflammatory response that manifests both locally and systemically. Diabetes is an established risk factor for PD, whereas the treatment of the latter has been shown to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients. Although compelling evidence from in vitro and animal studies supports a plausible biological explanation for the relationship between the two conditions centered on systemic low-grade inflammation, the limited number of comparable large randomized clinical trials is reflected in the limited specific guidelines offered by the international organizations for diabetes and periodontitis regarding the management of the two diseases in an individual. Further understanding of the biological phenomena underlying PDs and diabetes is critical for individual therapeutic approaches to patients with both conditions by endocrinologists and periodontists. © Touch Briefings 2012.