Effect of diabetes index on periodontal disease in Korean adults

Abstract

Background: It is known that diabetes can cause complications in various organs and affect oral health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral health and diabetes mellitus among Korean adults.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted by the National Institute of Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015), produced by the Korea Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. A total of 4,780 patients took part in the survey of which 554 were diabetic patients. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the periodontal disease status of non-diabetics and people with diabetes mellitus, and multiple regression analysis was performed to analyze the effect of diabetes index on periodontal disease status.

Results: Normal people showed better periodontal disease and oral care status than diabetic patients. However, all three diabetic factors (glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar, insulin) had no statistically significant influence on periodontal disease.

Conclusions: The increase in the diabetic index may have a negative effect on various periodontal diseases, which may ultimately lead to poor oral hygiene and cause disease. Therefore, diverse studies on the diabetic index and periodontal disease are needed, and it is necessary to address the dental hygiene health of Korean adults through early education and campaigns to improve oral health. [Ethiop.J. Health Dev. 2020;34(Special issue-3):78-83]

Keywords: Diabetes index, periodontal disease, oral health, Korean adults