Regular Dental Check-ups Are Independently Associated With Insulin Resistance in Japanese Type 2 Diabetes Patients (JDCP study 17)

Abstract Despite the well-established bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, limited research has examined the role of regular dental check-ups in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study analyzed the relationship between periodontal disease status, dental visit patterns, and diabetes status using baseline data from the Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention (JDCP) prospective study. Among 6,099 patients with diabetes (aged 40–75 years), 685 with type 2 diabetes who underwent dental examinations were included. Trained dentists collected periodontal disease data using self-report questionnaires and periodontal examination.Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Participants who did not undergo regular dental check-ups exhibited higher HOMA-IR values than those who did. Logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between insulin resistance and regular dental check-ups (odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–5.09, P = 0.034). Approximately 50% of the respondents did not undergo regular dental check-ups. Individuals who undergo dental check-ups may experience improved local periodontal inflammation through treatment, potentially reducing systemic inflammation and infection compared to those who do not. This reduction in systemic inflammation and infection could contribute to improved insulin resistance.