Association between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitusA prospective cohort study

AimThis study aimed to determine the association between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the effect of this association on pregnancy outcome in North Indian population. Materials and MethodsA total of 584 primigravidae were recruited at 12-14weeks of gestation. Their periodontal examination was carried out along with 75g oral glucose load test at the time of recruitment. GDM was diagnosed as per the DIPSI (The Diabetes in Pregnancy Study group India) guidelines (140mg/dl). Women with normal plasma glucose values underwent a repeat 75g oral glucose load test at 24-28weeks of gestation. All patients were followed up for pregnancy outcomes. ResultsOf 584 primigravida, 184 (31.5%) had gingivitis and 148 (25.3%) had periodontitis. Overall, 332 (56.8%) pregnant women had periodontal disease. It was associated with GDM with adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 2.85 (95%CI=1.47-5.53). The occurrence of pre-eclampsia was associated with periodontal disease with aHR of 2.20 (95%CI=0.86-5.60). If primigravidae had periodontal disease along with GDM, the risk of pre-eclampsia had shown increased aHR of 18.79 (95% CI=7.45-47.40). ConclusionsThe study shows a significant association of periodontal disease with GDM and an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to this association.