Effects of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Glycemic Control in Prediabetes and Diabetes Patients with Stage II–IV Periodontitis as Monitored by Active-Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Levels

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Previous research indicates that non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) improves glycemic control in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes who have periodontitis. Few studies have demonstrated its effects on mouthrinse active-matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) levels as it relates to glycemic control. We assessed the periodontal treatment response of stage II-IV periodontitis patients with prediabetes, diabetes, and normoglycemia, regarding glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and mouthrinse aMMP-8 levels using point-of-care kits (PoC). <b>Materials and Methods</b>: Eighty-eight adults (11 normoglycemic, 32 prediabetic, 45 with type 2 diabetes), aged 25-78, with stage II-IV periodontitis were included. Full-mouth clinical examinations were used to evaluate their periodontal parameters. HbA1c and mouthrinse aMMP-8 levels were assessed using PoC kits before and approximately three months after scaling and root planing. <b>Results:</b> There were positive treatment effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on periodontal clinical parameters, aMMP-8 and HbA1c levels in the prediabetes and diabetes groups. The aMMP-8 reduction was significant (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in the prediabetes and prediabetes + diabetes groups, while HbA1c decreased significantly in the diabetes and prediabetes + diabetes (<i>p</i> < 0.001) groups. In contrast, a non-significant increase in mean aMMP-8 levels, HbA1c, and CAL was observed in normoglycemia (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Stage III + IV periodontitis showed significant treatment effects for aMMP-8 (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and HbA1c (<i>p</i> < 0.01) compared to stage II, regardless of glycemic status. <b>Conclusions:</b> Non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly improves periodontal health as well as HbA1c and aMMP-8 levels in people living with prediabetes and diabetes.