Periodontal Disease in Non‐Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)

The association of periodontal disease with diabetes was studied in non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. In a cross‐sectional design, 100 patients (46 males and 54 females) were selected in 4 groups according to age and years since diagnosis of diabetes. The groups were: group 1, > 55 years old, diabetes diagnosed ≥ 5 years; group 2, ≤ 55 years old, diabetes diagnosed ≥ 5 years; group 3, > 55 years, diabetes diagnosed < 5 years; and group 4, ≤ 55 years, diabetes diagnosed < 5 years. Buccal and lingual pockets were deeper and lingual and buccal recessions greater for groups diagnosed 5 or more years ago, ( P < 0.0001). In groups diagnosed less than 5 years, higher recession indices were found for patients older than 55. The loss of buccal insertion was also greater for groups diagnosed 5 or more years ago ( P < 0.0001). For groups diagnosed less than 5 years ago, the loss was greater in the group older than 55 ( P = 0.01). There was a marginal difference in gingival bleeding among the 4 groups ( P = 0.047). Post‐hoc analysis showed differences between the 2 groups who had been diagnosed less than 5 years, with lower indices for patients ≤ 55. All groups were statistically different regarding bone loss ( P < 0.0001), with higher indices for the groups with older age, and for groups with 5 or more years since diagnosis. There was no difference in dental mobility among the 4 groups ( P = 0.0981). It was concluded that years since diagnosis of diabetes is more significant than age for severity of periodontal disease in NIDDM. J Periodontol 1994; 65:991–995.