Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases in which elevated blood glucose level interferes with activity of Polymorghonuclear (PMN) cells. Prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases in diabetic patients are also reported to be higher than nondiabetics. Considering different opinions regarding the interrelationships of PMN cell dysfunction and destruction of periodontal tissues in diabetics, this study was performed.
Materials and Methods:
This study was a case-control one. 53 cases (22 with IDDM, 21 with NIDDM and 10 non diabetics) were selected for this study. Diabetic patients (equal males and females) were referred from Mashhad Diabetic Center. The examined parameters were PMN cell function (using NBT test), fasting blood sugar, plaque index, pocket depth, bleeding index and bone loss (using panoramic x-ray). The data were analyzed using One – Way ANOVA, multivariable analysis, Tukey test and correlation coefficient.
Results:
The fasting blood sugar level of both diabetic groups were significantly higher than that of nondiabetic groups (P<0.001). The plaque index was significantly higher in NIDDM group compared with control group (P=0.002). Bone loss was more severe in NIDDM group than IDDM and control groups. The difference was statistically significant. PMN cell function in IDDM group was significantly lower than NIDDM and control groups (P=0.011).
Conclusion:
Observing the result, it is tempting to claim that with aging and in the presence of suitable condition for the plaque bacteria, the periodontal disease in the diabetic patients become more severe. Prevention of the periodontal diseases will be possible provided that the blood sugar level and the bacterial plaque are controlled.