Diabetes Periodontal Link — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePeriodontologyDiabetes Periodontal LinkORE Part 1

A 55-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes presents with a periodontal abscess. Drainage is established and amoxicillin is prescribed. Their regular diabetic medication is gliclazide and metformin. Which statement best describes the effect of the periodontal infection on diabetic control?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — It may worsen glycaemic control, so glucose monitoring should be intensified

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as E

A is correct. Diabetes and periodontal disease have a bidirectional relationship. In a patient with diabetes, controlling periodontal disease can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of hyperglycaemia; conversely, an active infection may destabilise glycaemic control. The appropriate dental response is to manage the source of infection and advise closer glucose monitoring and liaison with the patient’s medical team where control is poor or symptoms occur. B and C contradict this relationship. D is incorrect because dentists should not independently increase metformin for an infection. E is also incorrect: gliclazide is not stopped routinely; any sick-day medication adjustment depends on factors such as food intake, dehydration and glucose readings, and should follow medical advice.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care, “Control of diabetes”, 2026. https://www.periodontalcare.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/treatment-components/managing-risk-factors/modifiable-systemic-risk-factors/control-of-diabetes/