RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND DIABETES MELLITUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus is recognized as bidirectional, supported by immunological, inflammatory, and metabolic mechanisms that exacerbate both conditions. This literature review aimed to analyze how periodontal disease influences glycemic control and how diabetes affects the progression of periodontitis. A bibliographic search was conducted in SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, EBSCOhost, DynaMed, and Google Scholar databases, including publications from 2015 to 2025. Descriptors related to periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus were used, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 studies were selected. The findings show that chronic hyperglycemia compromises immune response, delays tissue healing, and increases periodontal inflammation, while active periodontitis raises insulin resistance and elevates systemic inflammatory markers. It is concluded that integrating periodontal treatment with glycemic control is essential to reduce systemic complications and improve the quality of life of diabetic patients.