An update of the evidence on the potential impact of periodontal therapy on diabetes outcomes

AimTo provide an update of the systematic review by Engebretson and Kocher J Clin Periodontol. 2013 Apr;40 Suppl 14:S153 on the effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control of people with diabetes. MethodsPubMed Literature search restricted to meta-analyses published from 2013 to the present was conducted. The search resulted in seven meta-analyses of RCTs. ResultsReduction in HbA1c at 3-4months was reported in all reviews for the treatment group ranging from -0.27% (95% CI: -0.46, -0.07, p=.007) to -1.03% (95% CI: 0.36, -1.70, p = 0.003). At 6months post-treatment, an HbA1c reduction ranging from -0.02 (95% CI: -0.20, -0.16, p=.84) to -1.18% (95% CI: 0.72%, 1.64%, p < 0.001) was reported. Clinical relevanceThe magnitude of the reduction in HbA1c, which is found to be associated with non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with diabetes, seems to have clinically significant effects on systemic health, and thus should have a place in the treatment of diabetic patients. ConclusionsPeriodontal treatment (SRP) results in a statistically significant reduction in HbA1C levels at 3months, with a lower reduction at 6months.