Type 2 diabetes mellitus and severe periodontal disease in an adult population; effect of a new local delivery approach

Objective: The aim of this study is to clarify association between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, and assess the effect of metronidazole and chlorhexidine mixture as a local delivery. Methods: Sixty patients constituted three groups: (I) type 2 diabetes with advanced periodontitis; (II) diabetes mellitus without periodontitis; and (III) periodontitis without diabetes. Clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding index (BI) were recorded. Periodontitis received first non-surgical therapy, and then metronidazole and chlorhexidine gel. Diabetics undertook blood analysis for diabetic factors. Results: Statistical differences were noticed between groups I and II at all periods (three and six month) except few sites, and between groups I and III at all sites of CAL and most sites of BI. Group I had the worst measurements at baseline and 3 month which reversed with less measurements at 6 month (following therapy) by demonstrating significant intergroup positive changes, without significance prior to therapy. No significant differences were noticed within groups I and III for CAL prior to therapy except few sites, but were present at 6 month at all sites in group III and except two sites in group I. For BI, no differences were noticed except three sites. Conclusion: The present study suggested evidence on improvement of periodontal parameters following treatment with the local mixture of metronidazole and chlorhexidine gel.