The effects of periodontal treatment on diabetic patients: The <scp>DIAPERIO</scp> randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Aim To assess whether periodontal treatment can lead to clinical, glycaemic control and quality of life improvements in metabolically unbalanced diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2) diagnosed with periodontitis. Methods In this open‐labelled randomized controlled trial, diabetic subjects ( n = 91) were given “immediate” or “delayed” periodontal treatment (full‐mouth non‐surgical scaling and root planing, systemic antibiotics, and oral health instructions). The main outcome was the effect on glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1C ) and fructosamine levels. The General Oral Health Assessment Index and the SF ‐36 index were used to assess quality of life (QoL). Results Periodontal health significantly improved after periodontal treatment ( p &lt; 0.001). Periodontal treatment seemed to be safe but had no significant effects on glycaemic control based on HbA 1C (adjusted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval ( aMD ) of 0.04 [−0.16;0.24]) and fructosamine levels ( aMD 5.0 [−10.2;20.2]). There was no obvious evidence of improvement in general QoL after periodontal treatment. However, there was significant improvement in oral health‐related QoL ( aMD 7.0 [2.4;11.6], p = 0.003). Conclusion Although periodontal treatment showed no clinical effect on glycaemic control in this trial, important data were provided to support periodontal care among diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment is safe and improves oral health‐related QoL in patients living with diabetes. ISRCTN 15334496.