Effectiveness of Lifestyle Change Plus Dental Care Program in Improving Glycemic and Periodontal Status in Aging Patients with Diabetes: A Cluster, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background: Currently, there is an increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the aging adult population. To minimize adverse effects on glycemic control, prevention and management of general and oral complications in patients with diabetes are essential. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the lifestyle change plus dental care (LCDC) program to improve glycemic and periodontal status in aging patients with diabetes. Methods: A cluster, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in Health Centers 54 (intervention) and 59 (control) from October 2013 to April 2014. Sixty-six patients with diabetes per health center were included. At baseline, the intervention group attended 20-minute lifestyle and oral health education, individual lifestyle counseling, application of a self-regulation manual, and individual oral hygiene instruction. At month 3, the intervention group received individual lifestyle counseling and oral hygiene instruction. The intervention group received booster education every visit by viewing a 15-minute educational video. The control group received a routine program. Participants were assessed at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-up for glycemic and periodontal status. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistic, chi 2 test, Fisher exact test, t test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: After the 6-month follow-up, participants in the intervention group had significantly lower glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and attachment loss when compared with the control group. Conclusion: The combination of lifestyle change and dental care in one program improved both glycemic and periodontal status in older patients with diabetes.