[The periodontal findings and microflora in insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetics]

In 42 insulin-dependent type-I diabetics (age: 25.1 +/- 6 years; history of diabetes: 6.7 +/- 6.6 years) and in 118 control patients (age: 26.1 +/- 5.7 years) the oral health status including a periodontal examination was assessed. In addition, diabetic patients served to study the microflora in gingival pockets and on the mucosa of the cheek. The dental examination comprised the assessment of oral hygiene (Approximal Plaque Index, API), gingival inflammation (Sulcus Bleeding Index, SBI, and Gingival Index, GI) and of loss of attachment. Special medical history forms were used to gather information about the quality of metabolic equilibration and about laboratory values pertinent to diabetes. A significant positive correlation was found between poor metabolic adjustment (high glykosylized HbA1) and loss of attachment (r = 0.527). A significant relation was also detected between the administered insulin dose and gingival conditions (r = 0.404). The plasma leukocyte level was positively correlated to the SBI value (r = 0.546) as well as to the GI value (r = 0.496). Bacteriological investigation of subgingival samples revealed an increased amount of gram-positive, anaerobic rods (27.5%), especially corynebacteria (7.4%). Their numbers showed a narrow correlation to SBI (mean value: 48.1%) and GI (mean value: 1.9).