Impact of Periodontal Disease on Outcomes in Diabetes

The goal is to look for predictive factors of poor oral health and the impact of poor oral
health on the complications of diabetes. The prevalence of periodontal disease among
patients with diabetes is higher than in the general population. Periodontal disease is
associated with dental loss and increased systemic inflammation which is associated with
cardiovascular and bone disease. However, current evidence that treatment of POD will result
in improvement of outcomes in patients with diabetes is mixed. Identifying patterns of
disease and following biomarkers in patients with diabetes and periodontal disease will
answer some of the questions and result in more appropriate recommendations and
interventions with reduction in morbidity, mortality and healthcare cost.

This study will be conducted using a cross-sectional design. Investigators will survey 200
consecutive patients with diabetes during routine clinic visits using a questionnaire.
Investigators will collect data on demographic information, socio-economic status, oral
health status/care, diabetes history (duration, control and complications) and bone health.
A subgroup of 24 participants with survey responses suggestive of periodontal disease will
be selected to receive treatment for periodontal disease. We will measure their hemoglobin
A1c and biomarkers before and after treatment and will compare their levels for changes with
treatment. Investigators will analyze collected data using test of proportions, Student's
t-test and multivariate regression analyses.

Inclusion Criteria:

All patients 18 years or older with diabetes for more than 2 years who present for their
regular clinic visit will be eligible for inclusion in the survey part of the study.
Further criteria for enrollment into the subgroup (n = 24) will include; Inclusion
criteria

- Answers on the questionnaire suggesting POD or gingivitis.

- At least 16 teeth in place

- On a stable treatment for their diabetes

- Hemoglobin A1c between 6 and 10

Exclusion Criteria:

- Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications

- Cigarette smoking

- Treatment with thiazolidinediones

- Previous diagnosis of osteoporosis or treatment for osteoporosis with FDA approved
agents.