Undiagnosed diabetes significantly associated with edentulism and periodontitis: Study

Periodontal disease and diabetes are widespread comorbid conditions that are detrimental to oral and overall health. Dentists' performing chairside screenings for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) can be beneficial to both patients and providers. The authors determined Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) rates in a population-based study and whether UDM and periodontal disease were independently associated.

Data from 7,343 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study visit 4 were used to determine rates of Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) by periodontal status, edentulism, and body mass index. The authors used a χ2 test or analysis of variance, along with a 2-stage logistic regression model, to determine relationships with UDM. UDM was defined as no self-reported diabetes and blood glucose levels (fasting glucose ≥ 126 milligrams/deciliter or nonfasting glucose > 200 mg/dL). Periodontal disease was defined using the Periodontal Profile Classes system adapted to stages and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Periodontology index.

The Results of the study are as follows:

• Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) rates overall were 5.6%.
• The highest rates occurred in patients who were obese and edentulous (12.6%) and obese and had severe periodontal disease (12.2%).
• Significant associations were found for Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) and severe periodontal disease
• Edentulism was significantly associated with Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) in the Periodontal Profile Classes system model and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Periodontology index
• Hyperglycemia was found in participants of all body mass index categories.

Thus, the researchers concluded that undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) is significantly associated with obesity, edentulism, and periodontitis. These characteristics could help dentists identify patients at higher risk of developing DM. Patients without these characteristics still have Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM), so dentists performing chairside diabetes screening for all patients would yield additional benefits.

Reference:

Periodontal disease, undiagnosed diabetes, and body mass index: Implications for diabetes screening by dentists by Kamaira H.Philips et al published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2020.09.002