Association between periodontitis and gestational diabetes mellitus via systemic inflammation: A prospective cohort study

The relationship between periodontitis severity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk has not been systematically characterized, and the biological mechanisms underlying this association are not clear. Our study demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent association between periodontal disease severity and GDM risk, with a 3-fold increased likelihood among pregnant women with stages II-IV periodontitis compared to healthy controls. Notably, this association was markedly stronger among women aged ≥ 30 years. Systemic inflammation may partially mediate this association, suggesting a biological link between periodontal health and glucose metabolism during pregnancy.