Glucose variability and periodontal disease in type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional study—The “PAROdontopatia e DIAbete” (PARODIA) project

Aims: Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammation of periodontal tissue associated with infection from specific anaerobic pathogens contained in dental plaque. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased prevalence of PDs. A two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontitis has been proposed, with diabetes increasing the risk for periodontitis, and periodontal inflammation negatively affecting glycaemic control. To date, the relationship between PD and glucose variability in type 1 diabetes has not been evaluated. To investigate the prevalence of PD in patients with type 1 diabetes and its association with glycemic control and glucose variability. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all enrolled patients were scheduled to attend both a diabetologic and a periodontal visit. HbA1c, glucose coefficient of variation (CV), loss of clinical attachment (CAL), and periodontal probing depth (PPD) were collected. Results: 136 patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of PD was 63%. A significant correlation was found between mean CAL and glucose CV (r = 0.31, p = 0.002), but not with HbA1c. Mean PPD was also associated with glucose CV (r = 0.27 and 0.044), but not with HbA1c. In a multiple linear regression model, with mean CAL as dependent variable, age, glucose CV, and smoking habit resulted significantly associated (r = 0.23, p = 0.013; r = 0.33, p = 0.001; r = 0.34, p < 0.001, respectively). Assuming mean PPD as dependent variable, multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant association with glucose CV and smoking habits only. Conclusions: PD is associated with glucose variability in patients with type 1 diabetes also after adjusting for the main confounders.