Comparison of oral health indices in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin and without insulin

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is among the most common inflammatory diseases. Diabetes is a risk factor for greater periodontal destruction. Periodontitis is recognized as the sixth serious complication of diabetes. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare oral health indices (DMFT and gingival index) in patients receiving insulin and patients using oral hypoglycemic agents. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 130 patients with type 2 diabetes were studied in two groups: patients receiving insulin and patients using oral hypoglycemic agents. The required information was collected using a questionnaire that included demographic variables and clinical examination was conducted to evaluate DMFT and gingival index, HbA1C and FBS were measured by lab test. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS 17 statistical software. Results: The results of the study showed that there was no statistically significant difference in decayed, missed, restored teeth and the overall DMFT index between the two groups. There was also no statistically significant difference in the presence of inflammation and bleeding in the two groups (P> 0.05). But there was a statistically significant difference in plaque formation (P = 0.035). Gingival index was also significantly higher in patients receiving insulin (p=0.046). Conclusion: The present study concludes that the Oral health status was poorer in type 2 diabetic patients receiving insulin therefore, special care and attention are needed for these patients because oral health also affects the diabetic control.