Correlation of Salivary Cortisol Levels with Anxiety in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients before and after Complete Denture Rehabilitation - An in vivo Study

Background: Complete edentulism constitutes health care burden, resulting in alterations in physical, psychological and emotional behavior. Also, a reduction in quality of life is expressed by patients, raising their levels of stress and anxiety. Stressful situations cause increased blood pressure and heart rate resulting in the secretion of cortisol hormone, which stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis causing hyperglycemia, which may favor the occurrence of Diabetes. As the diabetic’s population is rapidly rising, Prosthodontists are certain to see a greater number of diabetic edentulous patients. Thus, there is a need to assess the relationship of complete denture rehabilitation with the generic health of edentulous patients which can be done by checking the stress levels, and their effects on systemic health.

Objectives: To determine anxiety levels and Salivary Cortisol levels in Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients and compare and correlate them before and after rehabilitation with Complete Dentures.

Methodology: It will be a cross-sectional study, carried out on edentulous diabetic patients aged 50-70 years visiting the Department of Prosthodontics of Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital. With consent for participation, Glycated Hemoglobin and anxiety levels will be determined, along with fabrication of complete dentures. Patients will be assessed at two stages; before and 1 month after complete denture rehabilitation.

Results: The research has been approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee. The results expected are the significant reduction in anxiety levels after Complete Denture Rehabilitation and thus, a definitive correlation between anxiety and salivary cortisol levels.

Conclusion: Adaptation of patients to their new set of Complete dentures can be improved by their clinicians by acquisition of the knowledge of relationship of the general health of the patient and correlating it to the dental rehabilitation.