Periodontitis and Uncontrolled Diabetes May Disrupt Mineral Balance, Suggests Study
Researchers have found in a new study that People with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes, particularly when diabetes is poorly controlled, have lower serum chromium (Cr) and magnesium (Mg) levels. This suggests that the combined metabolic and inflammatory burden may impair mineral homeostasis. Serum nickel (Ni) levels, however, were not significantly different between groups. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to determine whether monitoring chromium and nickel can improve understanding of periodontal–systemic interactions and treatment outcomes.
The aim of this study was to evaluate serum chromium (Cr), magnesium (Mg), and nickel (Ni) levels in periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to examine the relationship of these elements with periodontal clinical parameters and glycemic control.
A total of 74 individuals were included in this cross-sectional study and participants were divided into four groups: periodontally and systemically healthy control group (n = 18), periodontitis group (n = 19), controlled T2DM+periodontitis group (n = 18), and uncontrolled T2DM+periodontitis group (n = 19). Clinical periodontal parameters, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing index (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded in all patients. Serum HbA1c, Cr, Mg, and Ni levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry.
Serum Cr levels were significantly lower in the periodontitis group compared to the control group. Serum Cr and Mg levels were significantly lower in both the controlled and uncontrolled T2DM+ periodontitis groups compared to the healthy control group. Significant correlations were found between serum Cr and Mg levels and periodontal clinical parameters and HbA1c. Serum Ni levels did not differ between groups but showed significant correlations with periodontal parameters and HbA1c.
The decrease in serum Cr and Mg levels in individuals with periodontitis associated with T2DM suggests that metabolic and inflammatory load may affect mineral homeostasis. Serum Ni levels did not differ significantly between the groups.
Clinical relevance
The combination of periodontitis and uncontrolled T2DM may exert a synergistic effect on mineral homeostasis. Future longitudinal or interventional studies should assess whether monitoring chromium and nickel adds clinical value in understanding periodontal-systemic interactions and periodontal treatment response.
Reference:
Bozkurt, E., Özdemir, E.Ç., Gül, K. et al. Evaluation of serum chromium, nickel, and magnesium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontitis: A cross-sectional study. Clin Oral Invest 30, 361 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-026-07049-6
Keywords:
Periodontitis, Uncontrolled, Diabetes, Disrupt, Mineral Balance, suggests, study, Bozkurt, E., Özdemir, E.Ç., Gül, K, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Periodontal disease, Chromium, Magnesium, Nickel
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