Evaluation of gingival microcirculation in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible microcircularity variations at periodontal mucous level in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Overall 55 periodontally healthy and non-smoker participants were enrolled in the study by whom 30 were diagnosed with GDM (26 to 34 weeks pregnant) and 25 were systemically healthy unpregnant controls. The analysis was performed in the masticatory/gingival mucosa of maxillary anterior region and by the optical probe videocapillaroscopy technique equipped with 200× lenses. The following parameters were recorded: capillary loop visibility, capillary orientation to surface, microhemorrhages, capillary density and tortuosity.

The average capillary density was significantly higher in participants with GDM (27 ± 5.46 no. loops/mm²) compared to controls (21.16 ± 3 no. loops/mm²) (P = 0.035) while increased tortuosity scores was observed in controls compared with the GDM group (P = 0.017). There was not any significantly difference between study groups among the other variables (P > 0.05).

Capillary alterations including capillary density and tortuosity were demonstrated in gingival microcirculation of patients with GDM. These microcirculatory changes could provide us new understanding on the dynamics of the relationship between GDM and periodontal tissues.