[Diabetes mellitus and periodontium. 1. Prevalence of periodontal disease in young insulin-dependent diabetics].

The aim of this investigation was to assess the periodontal condition of two different age groups of young insulin-dependent diabetics, and to compare it with two age-matched groups of non-diabetic controls. Group A consisted of 19 diabetics 15-24 years old, group B of 21 diabetics 25-36 years old, control group CA of 16 healthy individuals 16-24 years old. Each individual was examined regarding oral hygiene status (PlI), gingival condition (GI), probing depth, and gingival recession. The interproximal marginal bone level was assessed in bitewing radiographs. Non significant differences were found between the groups A and CA regarding their oral hygiene status (PlI), gingival condition (GI), frequency of sites with probing depths of greater than 3 mm, and gingival recession. There was a slight difference in the position of the interproximal alveolar bone margin. No significant differences were found between the groups B and CB regarding their oral hygiene status (PlI) and gingival condition. Very significant differences were found between these two groups (0.01 less than p less than 0.05). It was assumed that diabetes is associated with periodontal disease in diabetics of 25-36 years old. There were no significant correlations between the periodontal variables and the duration of diabetes, insulin dosage and blood sugar.