Preshaw P M, Taylor J J, Jaedicke KM. Treatment of periodontitis reduces systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. 2020; DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13274. [Epub ahead of print].

Diabetes and periodontitis together to increase systemic inflammation, with evidence of reductions following periodontal treatment.

This study assessed the impact of periodontal treatment on systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. Adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 83) and without diabetes (controls, n = 75) were recruited, and participants with periodontitis received periodontal treatment and 12 months' follow-up. Biomarkers for periodontal inflammation and serum markers of inflammation and diabetes control were measured. Periodontal treatment resulted in significant improvements in clinical status and reductions in gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers from baseline to month 12. Individuals with diabetes and periodontitis had significantly higher systemic inflammation than non-diabetic controls with periodontitis with no significant differences between groups for oral inflammation. There was a greater reduction in systemic inflammation following periodontal treatment in individuals with diabetes and periodontitis compared to those with periodontitis but not diabetes.