The Influence of Glycemic Control Over Post-extraction Healing in Diabetic Patients

Background Diabetes mellitus hinders wound healing after tooth extractions due to hyperglycemia, causing complications like infections and delayed recovery. The precise role of glycemic control in healing remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify it by comparing outcomes in patients with well-controlled and poorly controlled blood sugar levels. Material and methods This prospective observational study at Priyadarshini Dental College and Hospital (October-November 2023) involved 100 insulin-dependent diabetic patients (n = 100) requiring dental extractions, divided into group A with random blood sugar (RBS) ≤150 mg/dL (n = 50) and group B with RBS between 151 and 240 mg/dL (n = 50). Inclusion criteria included fully erupted teeth in patients aged 18 or older, while exclusion criteria comprised those on antibiotics, with systemic immunodeficiency, undergoing chemotherapy, or with active infections. Preoperative RBS and post-extraction wound dimensions were recorded, and clinical outcomes, such as pain, bleeding, infection, dry socket, and tissue color changes, were assessed on days 1, 7, and 14. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC-PDCH5/4-2023) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR Reference ID: 2023-14931). Data were analyzed using chi-square and independent sample t-tests. Results The findings suggest that higher glycemic levels (151-240 mg/dL) are associated with increased pain and complications but do not significantly affect healing outcomes compared to levels ≤150 mg/dL. Group A shows better healing status, while group B has a higher incidence of moderate pain and bleeding. Conclusion This study indicates that glycemic levels between 151 and 240 mg/dL have no significant impact on post-extraction healing compared to levels ≤150 mg/dL in diabetic patients. Elevated blood sugar within this range may not increase the risk of delayed healing or complications. However, managing blood sugar levels is still critical, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to adverse outcomes. Further research is required to determine the ideal glycemic range for optimal healing in diabetic patients.