Conquering gum disease may improve blood glucose control
Patients with type 2 diabetes benefit from intensive periodontal therapy, study shows
30th October 2018
By Kemal Atlay
Treating gum disease could play an important role in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as improving vascular and renal function, according to study findings.
In a randomised trial of 264 UK patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate-to-severe periodontitis, those who received intensive periodontal treatment experienced an average reduction in HbA1c of 7mmol/mol after 12 months compared with controls who received standard care.
The intensive regimen included whole mouth subgingival scaling, surgical periodontal therapy and supportive therapy