Impact of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on HbA1c Levels of Type 2 Diabetes at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) constitutes a spectrum of persistent metabolic disorders originating from irregular glucose metabolism due to insufficient insulin production, compromised insulin function, or a combination of the two, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This study assessed the influence of non-surgical periodontal therapy on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar, with 40 participants diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for more than 3 years and suffering from chronic periodontitis. Patients with Type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, and those with other medical complications were excluded. HbA1c levels were assessed at baseline, and non-surgical periodontal therapy was administered. Patients were educated and scheduled for a follow-up after 3 months when HbA1c levels were reassessed. A paired t-test was employed to compare HbA1c levels pre-and post-intervention. Results: In this study, males were 29 (58%) whereas 21 (42%) females. The mean value of HbA1c was less post-treatment with non-surgical periodontal therapy (6.928±0.866%) than pretreatment (9.048±0.73%) and results were statistically significant (p<0.001). After receiving therapy, the HbA1c level was significantly reduced in both genders (p<0.001). Irrespective of smoking status, the reduction of HbA1c level was statistically significant (p=0.01). Conclusion: Non-surgical periodontal treatment significantly reduces HbA1c levels, indicating a potentially positive impact on glycemic control in individuals with diabetes, which has enhanced the dentist’s role as a part of the health team, and timely interventions can significantly improve prognosis.