Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and chronic periodontitis are common chronic diseases in the adult population. DM is a complex disease with both metabolic and vascular components, characterised by hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. 

Patients suffering from DM are known to have increased susceptibility to certain infections. Infections, as they lead to insulin resistance and poor metabolic control in diabetes, are of great concern since it has been shown that hyperglycemia and poor metabolic control result in increased diabetic complications involving damage to various organs, especially the eyes, kidney, heart, nerves and blood vessels.

Influence of diabetes on periodontal health An extensive body of evidence supports diabetes as a risk factor in periodontal disease. Also, indirect and direct evidence supports the concept that periodontal infection adversely affects the glycemic control in people with diabetes. The two-way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes provides an example of systemic disease predisposing to oral infection, and once that infection is established, the oral infection exacerbates systemic disease.

The clinical features of diabetic periodontitis are:

*Enlargement of gums

*Bleeding

*Halitosis

*Presence of multiple abscesses

*Increased mobility of teeth

*Purulent discharge

The influence of periodontitis on diabetes

It is the goal of the medical profession to effectively control DM so that the complications are minimised.

While a lot of stress is laid on diet, obesity, exercise etc., the due importance to maintain a good periodontal health is never stressed. Some of the recent research has demonstrated that with the effective control of periodontal disease there is an improved response of diabetes to medical treatment as the presence of increased levels of inflammatory cytokines will make the patient insulin resistant, hence altering response to treatment.

In conclusion, it can be safely said that DM and periodontal disease enjoy a love-hate relationship and it is the responsibility of the medical and dental profession to co-ordinate their efforts to achieve the goal of restoring the patient back to health.

The author is a periodontist, Sagar Apollo Hospital