Periodontal Therapy-Related Changes in Clinical Parameters, Active-Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 and C-Reactive Protein in Prediabetes and Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on periodontal clinical parameters, active-matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and their relationships in diabetes and prediabetes patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective single-arm, interventional (before-and-after) study, 77 Nigerian periodontitis patients with diabetes (n = 45) and prediabetes (n = 32) received NSPT. Clinical parameters [periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), Plaque Index (PLI), Gingival Index (GI)], mouthrinse aMMP-8, serum hsCRP, and HbA1c were measured at baseline and 3 months posttreatment. Analyses included paired t-tests, Pearson correlation, and linear mixed effect models (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Diabetes and prediabetes patients showed improvements in PISA, PLI, GI, aMMP-8, HbA1c (p < 0.001), and hsCRP (p = 0.001) 3 months post-NSPT. Diabetes patients maintained improvements, but hsCRP and HbA1c were insignificant in prediabetes. Diabetes participants had greater HbA1c reduction (-0.78%), while prediabetes participants had larger aMMP-8 decrease (-20.91 ng/mL). Obesity reduced aMMP-8 and PLI responses, with no sex effect. Several variables showed significant correlations. CONCLUSION: NSPT reduces systemic inflammation and improves glycemic control, particularly in diabetes. HbA1c responds best in diabetes, aMMP-8 in prediabetes. Mouthrinse aMMP-8 PoC test enables real-time periodontal monitoring and supports diabetes risk screening in dental and medical care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The registration number: PACTR202608587329540; Trial registry: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR).