The clinical and metabolic effects of subgingival application of xanthan‑based chlorhexidine gel in Type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis

Background: There is a two‑way relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and metabolic effects of a xanthan‑based chlorhexidine (CHX) gel used as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in Type II diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty‑eight diabetic patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6% were selected. The test group ( n = 34) received scaling and root planning (SRP) plus xanthan‑based CHX gel. The control group ( n = 34) received single SRP. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c tests were done at the baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Data from the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation and frequency), ANOVA test by SPSS.15 software (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Patients in test group exhibited a decrease in FBS from the baseline (227 ± 64.97) to the 3 and 6 months follow‑up (208 ± 61.95 and 201 ± 61.33; P < 0.001). HbA1cb levels decreased from 7.72 ± 0.99 to 6.20 ± 0.97 and 6.06 ± 1.04 after 3 and 6 months follow‑up ( P < 0.001), respectively. Reduction of FBS and HbA1c was statistically significant after 3 and 6 months in the control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the limitations of this study, the application of CHX gel might improve the effects of nonsurgical periodontal treatment in diabetic patients with periodontitis.  Key Words: Chlorhexidine, chronic periodontitis, glycated hemoglobins, scaling, root           planing, diabetes mellitus Type 2