Importance of younger age group and high inflammatory status in the association between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: Although previous studies have demonstrated an association between periodontal disease (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), the influence of age and the mediating role of inflammation have seldom been explored. This study investigated this association while considering the modifying effects of age and inflammatory status.

Methods: This study included 29,491 participants from the 2012-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The community periodontal index (CPI) was assessed by trained dentists using the World Health Organization CPI probe. PD was defined as a CPI score of 3 or 4. Pre-existing and incident DM were identified based on serum glucose levels, a history of DM diagnosis, medication use, and insulin injections. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were utilized as an indicator of chronic inflammation.

Results: PD and DM exhibited a significant association, which was more pronounced with incident DM than with pre-existing DM, particularly in individuals younger than 65 years. Among those aged 20-44 years, the odds ratio of incident DM for CPI=4 versus CPI=0 was 2.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.16-6.09). High hs-CRP levels (≥3 mg/L) were also associated with DM, especially in individuals with PD. This association was stronger with incident DM than with pre-existing DM. A notable joint effect was observed in younger individuals and those with PD.

Conclusion: The association between PD and DM was more pronounced in younger age groups and those with higher levels of inflammation. Therefore, early interventions for PD in younger patients may be crucial for preventing DM.