Association of oral mucosal alterations with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistani individuals

Objective: To explore an association between oral mucosal alterations and type 2 Diabetes mellitus.

Methods: This study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology and Baqai Medical University from September 2010 to September 2012. A total of 800 individuals’ 395 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 405 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. An oral clinical examination was carried out for all participants using a mouth mirror, visible light source and cotton gauze.

Results: The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was high significantly < 0.0001; odd ratio 2.601, CI 1.929-3.509 in type 2 diabetic as compared to non-diabetic. With respect to specific oral mucosal lesions, highly significant association p < 0.0001; Odd ratio 4.275, CI 2.798-6.534 was found between coated tongue with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study did not find any association (p > 0.05) between type 2 diabetes mellitus and potentially malignant disorders.

Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was higher in type 2 diabetic than non-diabetics. This study provides evidence that diabetes has a negative influence on oral health.