Summary of the best evidence for non-surgical intervention in periodontitis among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To summarize the best evidence for non-surgical intervention in periodontitis among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to provide a basis for medical and nursing staff to carry out periodontitis management in diabetic patients. Methods: Based on the 5S model, a literature search was conducted in UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Evidence-Based Healthcare Center Database, the website of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), guideline networks, and Chinese and international databases to collect clinical decisions, guidelines, evidence summaries, expert consensuses, systematic reviews, and Meta-analyses related to non-surgical intervention for periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The search period spanned from the establishment of each database/website up to March 9, 2026. Quality assessment of the retrieved literature was performed, followed by evidence extraction and synthesis of the finally included studies. Results: A total of 17 studies were included, consisting of 3 clinical decision documents, 5 guidelines, 2 evidence summaries, 3 expert consensuses, and 4 systematic reviews. Finally, 27 pieces of best evidence were summarized from 7 aspects, including periodontitis assessment, risk factor control, oral hygiene guidance, dietary management, mechanical intervention, adjuvant measures, and follow-up management. Conclusion: This study summarizes the best evidence for non-surgical intervention in periodontitis among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, providing an evidence-based basis for clinical practice. Clinical medical and nursing professionals may reasonably apply this evidence according to clinical scenarios and patients' preferences to prevent the occurrence of periodontitis in diabetic patients and restore a healthy periodontal environment.