Periodontal Therapy–Related Changes in Clinical Parameters, Active‐Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8 and C‐Reactive Protein in Prediabetes and Diabetes

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigated the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on periodontal clinical parameters, active‐matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (aMMP‐8), high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and their relationships in diabetes and prediabetes patients with periodontitis. Materials and Methods In this prospective single‐arm, interventional (before‐and‐after) study, 77 Nigerian periodontitis patients with diabetes ( n = 45) and prediabetes ( n = 32) received NSPT. Clinical parameters [periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), Plaque Index (PLI), Gingival Index (GI)], mouthrinse aMMP‐8, serum hsCRP, and HbA1c were measured at baseline and 3 months posttreatment. Analyses included paired t ‐tests, Pearson correlation, and linear mixed effect models ( p < 0.05). Results Diabetes and prediabetes patients showed improvements in PISA, PLI, GI, aMMP‐8, HbA1c ( p < 0.001), and hsCRP ( p = 0.001) 3 months post‐NSPT. Diabetes patients maintained improvements, but hsCRP and HbA1c were insignificant in prediabetes. Diabetes participants had greater HbA1c reduction (−0.78%), while prediabetes participants had larger aMMP‐8 decrease (−20.91 ng/mL). Obesity reduced aMMP‐8 and PLI responses, with no sex effect. Several variables showed significant correlations. Conclusion NSPT reduces systemic inflammation and improves glycemic control, particularly in diabetes. HbA1c responds best in diabetes, aMMP‐8 in prediabetes. Mouthrinse aMMP‐8 PoC test enables real‐time periodontal monitoring and supports diabetes risk screening in dental and medical care. Trial Registration The registration number: PACTR202608587329540; Trial registry: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR)