ABSTRACT
Abstract Purpose: To evaluate bone formation through ultrastructural analysis around titanium implants in severe alloxanic uncontrolled diabetic rats, and controlled with insulin, in comparison with nondiabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats, weighing between 200 and 300 g, divided into three experimental groups: normal control group (G1), a diabetic group without treatment (G2), and a diabetic group treated with insulin (G3). The animals received titanium implants in the right femur, and osseointegration was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery, through ultrastructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The ultrastructural analysis showed a dense bone structure in the G1, few empty spaces and a small number of proteoglycans; G2 presented bone matrix with a loose aspect, irregular arrangement, thin trabeculae, empty spaces and a large number of proteoglycans; G3 obtained similar results to G1, however with a higher number of proteoglycans. Conclusion: Severe diabetes caused ultrastructural changes in bone formation, and insulin therapy allowed an improvement in osseointegration, but it was not possible to reach the results obtained in the control group.