Effect of periodontal treatment on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in elderly patients with periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is closely related to type 2 diabetes and is an important complication of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of periodontal treatment on levels of blood glucose (Glu) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. METHODS: A total of 107 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease were selected and divided into two groups according to their HbA1c levels. Group A was a well-controlled diabetic group and group B was uncontrolled. Their probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), the value of Glu and HbA1c were analyzed before periodontal treatment and 4 months later. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in periodontal condition between groups A and B (P < 0.01). The periodontal condition for both groups was significantly (P < 0.01) improved after periodontal therapy. The effect of treatment in group A was more pronounced than group B, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01). After the periodontal treatment, Glu and HbA1c were reduced significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal condition is related to the control of Glu level among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease. Periodontal treatment can effectively reduce the level of Glu and HbA1c as well as improve the periodontal condition in elderly type-2 diabetes patients with periodontal disease.