The effect of periodontal disease on the metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus in South Africa (SA): a systematic review protocol. (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The increase in the prevalence of Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications is proving burdensome to the South African (SA) health system. Understanding the role of comorbid diseases, such as periodontal disease (PD) and their effect on metabolic control in DM patients in SA will raise awareness to the importance of periodontal interventions in DM patients in SA. OBJECTIVE The aim of the review will be to determine how metabolic control of DM is affected by PD in a South African (SA) population. METHODS We will conduct a systematic review of the relationship between Periodontal disease and metabolic control in T2DM patients in a South African population. Cohort, cross-sectional and case-controlled studies will be considered in which the outcomes of interest are pre-specified. We will search the following sources; Google Scholar, EbscoHost, Science Direct, and National ETD Portal SA Theses and Dissertations for articles published in English. There will be no limit placed on the date of the publication. The reference list of articles will be reviewed for further inclusion of key articles. Two independent reviewers will do study selection, data extraction and quality analysis. All disputes will be resolved by discussion, and the full team will verify final decisions. RESULTS The systematic review protocol has been registered PROSPERO. A preliminary search was conducted using defined keywords. The review process should be completed by June 2021. CONCLUSIONS The review will determine periodontal disease’s effect on metabolic control in Type II DM in South Africa. In the process, the feasibility for future research in this area of interest will be defined. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42020221064