Western Society of Periodontics

Clinical Studies

Volume Number 3, 1995

Single-blind studies of the effects of improved periodontal health on metabolic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus

This single-blind clinical trial was designed to show whether a reduction of periodontal inflammation led to any improvement in the metabolic control of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).Two studies were conducted. The first study was of patients with gingivitis and little or no attachment loss. The study was completed by 16 treatment (oral hygiene and scaling) and 15 control subjects. The results showed a Hawthorne effect in control subjects. There was no improvement in metabolic control at any stage in either group in response to improved oral hygiene. A second study was of older subjects who had well-established periodontitis. Twelve subjects in the experimental group were given oral hygiene instruction and scaling and root planing. The results showed that a marked improvement in all aspects of periodontal health did not result in any significant change in metabolic control assessed by glycated hemoglobin. In conclusion, the effect of metabolic control may be predominant in the relationship between IDDM and periodontal health. [S.L.]