Clinical Severity of Periodontal Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Investigation

Purpose: This study aimed to examined the clinical severity of periodontal disease among diabetic individuals in Zawia, Libya.

Materials and Methods: A case-control investigation was carried out involving 151 participants (101 diabetic patients and 50 healthy controls) at Zawia Diabetes and Endocrinology Center and Zawia Central Dental Clinic during the period of June through August 2024. Clinical periodontal evaluation was undertaken utilizing the Miller Mobility Index (MMI) and Modified Bleeding Index (MBI). Subgingival plaque specimens were obtained for microbiological analysis. Glycemic regulation was assessed through HbA1c measurements.

Results: Diabetic participants displayed markedly elevated MMI scores (M=1.19, SD=0.737) in comparison to control subjects (M=0.420, SD=0.480), t=7.698, p<0.001. Similarly, MBI scores were heightened among diabetics (M=42.31, SD=25.09) relative to controls (M=27.94, SD=21.42), t=3.468, p<0.001. Suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c >7%) was correlated with significantly elevated MBI scores (p=0.001). Diabetes duration demonstrated a positive association with MMI severity (p=0.049), with individuals possessing diabetes for >10 years exhibiting the highest mobility scores (M=1.40, SD=0.670).

Conclusion: Diabetic patients manifest significantly more pronounced periodontal disease severity in comparison to non-diabetic individuals. Inadequate glycemic control and extended diabetes duration constitute critical determinants of periodontal degradation, highlighting the necessity for coordinated diabetes and periodontal management. (Open J Biomed Res 2026;5:27-33)