Abstract
Objective The main purpose of this article is to evaluate periodontal parameters of chronic
periodontitis patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus after initial periodontal
therapy plus vitamin C.
Materials and Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted. Subjects received
initial periodontal therapy plus 500 mg/day vitamin C for 2 months (n = 15) or placebo (n = 16). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), and plasma vitamin C level
were assessed at baseline and 2 months post-treatment. Plaque Index, Sulcus Bleeding
Index, Gingival Index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were measured at
baseline, 1 month, and 2 months post-treatment.
Results Almost all subjects had low level of plasma vitamin C at baseline. In the test group,
plasma vitamin C was significantly increased to an adequate level at the end of 2
months. After periodontal treatment, FBS and HbA1c were not significantly different
compared with baseline in the test group. In the control group, FBS was significantly
decreased from baseline. However, no significant difference between groups was found
either in FBS or HbA1c. All periodontal parameters were significantly improved from
baseline in both groups. However, no significant difference was found between groups.
Conclusion Supplementation of 500 mg/day vitamin C did not give an additional benefit in promoting
periodontal status in periodontitis patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Keywords
vitamin C - nonsurgical periodontal therapy - chronic periodontitis - uncontrolled
type 2 DM
