Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part G (2022)

Methods: 28 chronic periodontitis patients having controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≤ 8%) on sulfonylureas were selected for the study. The gingival inflammatory status was evaluated by estimating aspartate aminotransferase in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF-AST) and gingival index (GI). The glycaemic condition was assessed using fasting blood sugar level (FBS). The FBS, GI and GCF-AST levels were assessed prior to periodontal therapy, after 24 hours, 7th day, 14th day and 3rd month of treatment.

Results: The study demonstrated a strong co-relation between the gingival inflammatory status and the glycaemic level of patients following periodontal therapy. Both GI and GCF-AST was found consistent with FBS under the study conditions. Statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) in mean FBS, GI and GCF-AST was observed.

Conclusion: The study proved that a thorough non-surgical periodontal therapy reduced the glycaemic levels in type 2 diabetic patients on sulfonylurea group of hypoglycaemic drugs. Among the hypoglycaemics, sulfonylureas are known agents that tend to cause sudden drop in fasting glycaemic levels. Owing to this, an alteration in the dosage of hypoglycaemic drugs or a monitored dietary supplement may be necessary prior to periodontal therapy.