Insight of the interrelationship and association mechanism between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus

Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus are two prevalent chronic diseases that have been recognized to exhibit a bidirectional relationship. Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontitis, and conversely, periodontitis can exacerbate glycemic control in diabetic patients. The underlying mechanisms of this interrelationship involve complex pathways, including inflammatory responses, altered immune functions, and microbial dysbiosis. The mechanistic insights into the interrelationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus revolve around the role of inflammation as a common link between the two diseases. Inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of the diseases. The dysregulation of the immune response in diabetes can exacerbate the inflammatory response in periodontitis, leading to increased tissue destruction and bone resorption. The chronic inflammation in periodontitis can contribute to insulin resistance and impaired glycemic control in diabetic patients. Future directions in research aim to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interrelationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Modulating the inflammatory response, restoring microbial balance, and improving glycemic control hold promise in managing both conditions simultaneously. Herein, we will provide an overview of the interrelationship of periodontitis and diabetes mellitus, and retrospect the underlying mechanisms, which may inspire investigators with further research directions.