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Promsudthi A, Pimapansri S et al. Oral Diseases 2005; 11: 293–298

Certain cohort studies have reported an improvement in type 2 diabetic metabolic control in response to periodontal treatment. However, the absence of a control group has led to the comment that behavioural factors were more likely to account for the change. In this study from Thailand, 60 type 2 diabetic patients aged 55–80 yrs, with HbA1c levels of 7.5–11.0%, were randomised to non-surgical periodontal treatment (including adjunctive doxycycline) or control groups.

In the treatment group, 27 subjects completed the study, and in the control group, 25. Respective mean probing depths at baseline were 3.22 and 3.27 mm, and at 3 months, 2.28 (P < 0.05) and 3.28 mm (NS); respective mean clinical attachment levels changed from 4.03 to 3.58 mm (NS), and 4.10 to 4.34 mm (P < 0.05); respective mean BOP scores at baseline were 62 and 50%, and at 3 months 24 % (P < 0.05) and 50%. However, respective mean HbA1c levels did not change significantly (8.98 to 8.78% and 9.17 to 9.28%). In the treatment group, 16 subjects had decreased HbA1c, but in the control group, 14 also had decreased levels.