Abstract:
Currently, there is an increased prevalence of DM among the elderly. Prevention and management of general and oral complications in diabetic patients are important to minimize adverse effects on glycemic control. The purpose of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of Lifestyle Change plus Dental Care (LCDC) program to improve glycemic and periodontal status in the elderly with type 2 diabetes. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Health Center 54 (intervention) and 59 (control) from 1st October 2013 to 24th April 2014. 66 diabetic patients per health center were included. At baseline, the intervention group attended 20 minute lifestyle and oral health education, individual lifestyle counseling using motivational interviewing (MI), application of self-regulation manual, and individual oral hygiene instruction. The intervention group received booster education every visit by viewing 15 minute educational video. The control group received routine program. Participants were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 month follow up for HbA1c, FPG, plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, and CAL. Data was analyzed by using Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, t-test, paired-t-test and repeated measure ANOVA. After the 6 month follow up, participants in the intervention group had significantly lower HbA1c, FPG, plaque index score, gingival index score, pocket depth, and CAL when compared to the control group depending on time (baseline, 3 month, and 6 month follow up). The combination of lifestyle change and dental care in one program improved both glycemic and periodontal status in the elderly with type 2 diabetes.
