RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of periodontal infection on circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) in type 2 diabetes patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>32 diabetes patients with advanced periodontitis participated in this study. They were compared to a group of 32 diabetes patients without periodontal disease, who were mathed with regard to age (+/- 3 years), gender and body mass index (+/- 1 kg/m2). The concentration of CRP on circulation was measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Significant difference was found in the level of CRP and the percentage of subjects with elevated CRP levels > or = 3 mg/L on circulation between the two groups(P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Periodontal infection results in higher circulating CRP in type 2 diabetes patients. This elevated inflammatory factor may exacerbate insulin resistance and increase the risk for great vessels complications of diabetes mellitus.</p>