Influence of covariates on oral health status of patients with type 2 diabetes in bangalore: a hospital based study

Background and Aim: Oral complications of diabetes are numerous and often affected by other variables. This study was conducted to determine the influence of demographic and other covariates on the oral health status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Method: An in-vivo cross-sectional analytical study was conducted where in 1200 subjects in the age group of 35 – 74 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus were examined in a hospital setting in Bangalore. Data regarding demographic details, time since onset of diabetes, and history of any adverse habits was collected. Oral health status was assessed using WHO oral health assessment form, 1997. Random Blood Sugar on the day of examination was recorded. Results: The study opined that all covariates assessed had an effect on caries status, periodontal status, loss of attachment, presence of oral mucosal lesions and prosthetic need of the subjects (p<0.05) in the final model of logistic regression analysis done using backward elimination. Unaffected factors were TMJ signs and symptoms. Conclusion: Other factors such as age, onset of diabetes, habits and SES can further worsen oral health status of diabetic patients.