Assessment of Periodontal Status in Association with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Few studies have specifically examined the relationship between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Type 1 or 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing periodontal disease, and periodontal disease may also increase the risk for type 2 diabetes. However, there is no study done so far in a Tamil population where the prevalence of Type II diabetes mellitus is >17%. The objective of this study was to examine whether maternal periodontal disease is associated with GDM in a Tamil urban population. Aim: The aims of the study were- To assess the periodontal status in patients with and without GDM To examine any association between maternal periodontal disease and GDM Materials and methods: The study population comprised of 90 patients, out of which 30 were cases & 60 were controls. All cases underwent a laboratory screening test for GDM between 24 to 30 weeks of gestation based on the recommendation of the Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Women were screened for carbohydrate intolerance by performing a standard 1-hour, 50-g oral Glucose Challenge Test (GCT). If the glucose level was >135 mg/dl (GCT positive), then women were diagnosed with GDM and were considered as cases. Controls were defined as women who passed the GCT i.e glucose levels less than 135 mg/dl at 24 to 30 weeks and did not have any other types of diabetes. To assess the periodontal status, a full-mouth periodontal examination, assessing the probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and gingival recession was performed on all study participants, using the WHO periodontal probe by a single trained examiner. Tests for proportions and associations were performed by using chi-square statistics. To compare the means, student’s t-test was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed by incorporating other predictors like maternal age, BMI, hygiene score, family history of DM and gestational age apart from periodontitis. Results: The results showed that only age of the mother OR 1.387 (95% C I 1.129, 1.704), body mass index OR 1.190 (95% C I 1.029, 1.377), and family history of DM OR3.98 (95% C I 1.09, 14.49) were significant predictors of GDM. None of the periodontitis condition was found to be significant predictor of GDM. Conclusion: The study did not show any positive correlation between GDM & periodontal disease.