Prevalence of diabetes in patients with periodontitis

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis (P) are chronic non-communicable diseases with a bidirectional relationship and are considered comorbidities. Periodontitis is a complication of diabetes, and its risk and progression increase in diabetic patients. Objective. To determine the prevalence of diabetes in patients with periodontitis attending the Periodontology Clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. Materials and Methods. A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted. Clinical records of patients who received care at the periodontology clinic were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results. A total of 298 clinical records were reviewed; 52.7% corresponded to men and 47.3% to women. The prevalence of diabetes was 13.8%. Among diabetic patients, 36.59% were classified as Stage III and 34.15% as Stage I. A statistically significant association was observed (p ≤ 0.001). Discussion. Our findings are like those reported by Flores-Flores et al. (2018) in Durango, with a prevalence of 11.2% in their dental clinics, as well as the study by De Elías et al. (2012) in stomatology clinics at the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez, which reported a prevalence of 10.94%. Conclusions. Periodontal health is a crucial component of overall health, especially in diabetic patients. The risk of periodontitis increases with age and is associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, occurring more frequently in more advanced stages of the disease. Individuals with DM have a higher probability of periodontitis progression and a negative impact on glycemic control.