Abstract:
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship
between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and periodontal status in pregnant women.
Fifty pregnant women with GDM (study group) and 50 pregnant women without
GDM (comparison group), matched by age and gestational age, were randomly selected
from antenatal clinic, Siriraj Hospital. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing
depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were assessed. Extent and severity index
were calculated. GDM related data was extracted from antenatal record.
Mean GI was significantly greater in the study group while the PI of both groups
were comparable. It was found that all pregnant women in both groups had CAL > 1
mm in at least 1 site but the extent and severity were significantly greater in study group
(88.6+8.6 vs. 84.8±9.9, p=0.04 and 1.96±0.56 v.s.1.64±0.36 p=0.001, respectively).
Higher prevalence of severe periodontitis (at least 1 site with CAL ≥ 5 mm.) was also
found in the study group (50% vs. 26%, p = 0.013). After adjusting for confounders,
significant independent predictors of CAL changes were age (p=0.027), gestational age
(p=0.042), and GDM (p=0.002). GDM increased the risk of periodontal disease by 2.96
folds (adjusted OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.19-7.38, p=0.006). Among pregnant women with
GDM, poor glycemic control and obesity were independently associated with both CAL
changes and periodontal diseases after adjusting for confounders. Poorly-controlled GDM
and obesity increased the risk of periodontal disease by 12.5 times (95% CI 2.45 63.88,
p=0.002), and 11.9 times (95% CI 1.22 111.1, p=0.033), respectively.
In conclusion, a relationship between GDM and periodontal diseases was
observed. Periodontal care should be provided to all pregnant women with GDM
especially those who were obese and poor glycemic control.