ORAL HEALTH STATUS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a range of systemic complications, including adverse effects on oral health. Periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene have been implicated in exacerbating hyperglycemia through systemic inflammation. Despite this bidirectional link, oral health remains a neglected aspect of diabetes care in many clinical settings, especially in developing countries. Objective: To assess the relationship between oral hygiene indicators—specifically plaque index and gingival status—and glycemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months in diabetes outpatient clinics across urban Pakistan. A total of 150 adults with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Oral health was evaluated using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index and the Löe and Silness Gingival Index. Recent HbA1c values were recorded from medical records. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and linear regression, assuming normal data distribution. Results: Participants had a mean age of 54.3 years and an average diabetes duration of 9.6 years. Mean plaque and gingival indices were 1.92 ± 0.56 and 1.78 ± 0.60, respectively. A significant proportion (85.3%) had suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7%). Pearson correlation showed moderate positive correlations between HbA1c and both plaque index (r = 0.41, p = 0.001) and gingival index (r = 0.45, p = 0.0004). Regression analysis confirmed both indices as independent predictors of HbA1c. Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene is significantly associated with higher HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Integrating dental care into diabetes management may improve metabolic outcomes.