On the Association between Implant-Supported Prosthesis and Glycemic Control (HbA1c Values)

Background: Dietary habits, food intake and oral health are important factors for general health. The aim of these present study was to assess the association between implant-supported fixed oral rehabilitation and glycemia, by monitoring HbA1c values before and after implant-supported prostheses (ISP) delivery to diabetic individuals. Methods: Retrospective, cohort study based on dental records. All treatments were performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons and experienced prosthodontists. Inclusion criteria: ISP delivery, diagnosis of diabetes in the medical files, consecutive individuals. Variables included—primary outcome—differences (delta) in HbA1c values prior to implant placement and one year after ISP delivery, early implant failure (EIF). Confounding factors included age, gender, physical status, smoking, implant jaw location, implant length, implant width, total implant count per individual. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.01) decrease in HbA1c from 7.10 ± 1.09% to 6.66 ± 1.02% following ISP delivery was recorded. The mean HbA1c delta was 0.44 ± 0.73%, where 39.0% of the patients had a significant improvement (delta decrease > 0.5%). Univariate and multivariate model using logistic regression at individual level showed that initial high HbA1c levels was the only factor positively predicting improvement (OR = 1.96, CI [1.22, 3.14], p < 0.01). Univariate model at implant level demonstrated that implants placed in the anterior maxilla also contributed to significant improvement in HbA1c values. Multivariate analysis at implant level was similar to individual level. Number of missing teeth did not affect the results significantly. Conclusion: ISP delivery to partially or completely edentulous diabetic individuals may improve HbA1c balance. The mechanism awaits future elucidation.