Objective: This study assessed the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease and diabetic complications in adult diabetics within the 2 largest municipalities on Kosrae, FSM. It assessed the hypothesis that diabetics with periodontal disease have more frequent complications. Methods: Individuals were approached by telephone by a local health care worker from a register of diabetics (N=186). Subjects (N=100) participated in a 30-minute interview, consisting of a 41-item questionnaire, a foot and an oral exam. The oral exam included the periodontal probing of 6 indicator teeth using a modified CPITN index and assessment of bleeding upon probing. The sample was predominantly female, 66.7%, mean age was 57 years (range 21-85). The sample was representative of the diabetic population. Results: The average length of time since diagnosis of diabetes was 7.3 years (range 0.25-45). The proportion of diabetics with foot complications was: neuropathy 28%, ulcers 16%. The proportion of subjects that had smoked was 15%; there were no current smokers. The average number of teeth in the population was 12 (range 0-28). The proportion of edentulous subjects was 29%. The proportion of diabetics examined with >1 periodontal pocket 4 mm or greater was 67% and 6 mm or greater was 27%. The average number of bleeding points was 6 (range 0-19). The proportion of diabetics examined with >1 bleeding sites was 46%. The rates of diabetic complications among those with >1 periodontal pocket greater than or equal to 6mm was: neuropathy 5.5%, foot ulcers 2.7%. 22% of subjects experienced periodontal disease and diabetic complications, whereas 28% had complications but had no periodontal disease (p>0.05). Conclusion: While the Kosraean diabetic community manifests extensive untreated periodontal disease, there was no relationship found between the severity of diabetes and the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease. Supported by NIDCR Grant U54 DE14254-01.

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