Periodontal Disease is Associated with
the Development of Glucose Intolerance
J Dent Res 83(6): 485-490, 2004
The Severity of Periodontal Disease is Associated with the Development
of Glucose Intolerance in Non-diabetics: The Hisayama Study
Inflammation is hypothesized to play a significant role in the
development of type 2 diabetes; however, reports on clinical inflammatory
conditions are limited. Studies have suggested that periodontitis
affects glucose control in diabetics. This community-based study
examined the relationship between periodontitis and glucose tolerance
status, including changes in status. The relationship between
periodontal condition and the results of a 75-g oral glucose tolerance
test was examined in 961 adults in 1998. Deep pockets (mean pocket
depth > 2.0 mm) were significantly associated with impaired
glucose tolerance and with diabetes as compared with shallow pockets
(< 1.3 mm). In the subgroup with normal glucose tolerance 10
years previously, subjects who subsequently developed impaired
glucose tolerance were significantly more likely to have deep
pockets. Deep pockets were closely related to current glucose
tolerance status and the development of glucose intolerance.
