Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth, is highly prevalent and significantly impacts quality of life. Diabetes is a major risk factor for periodontitis, with the risk approximately threefold higher in diabetic individuals. The severity of hyperglycaemia is positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis. The mechanisms linking these conditions involve immune functioning, neutrophil activity, and cytokine biology. There is emerging evidence of a bidirectional relationship, where diabetes increases the risk of periodontitis, and periodontal inflammation negatively affects glycaemic control. Severe periodontitis in diabetic individuals is associated with increased risks of macroalbuminuria, end-stage renal disease, and cardio-renal mortality. Effective periodontal treatment can reduce HbA1c levels by about 0.4%, suggesting that controlling diabetes may reduce the risk and severity of periodontitis. The dental team plays a crucial role in screening for diabetes and managing periodontal conditions, emphasizing the importance of oral health in overall health management.Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth, is highly prevalent and significantly impacts quality of life. Diabetes is a major risk factor for periodontitis, with the risk approximately threefold higher in diabetic individuals. The severity of hyperglycaemia is positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis. The mechanisms linking these conditions involve immune functioning, neutrophil activity, and cytokine biology. There is emerging evidence of a bidirectional relationship, where diabetes increases the risk of periodontitis, and periodontal inflammation negatively affects glycaemic control. Severe periodontitis in diabetic individuals is associated with increased risks of macroalbuminuria, end-stage renal disease, and cardio-renal mortality. Effective periodontal treatment can reduce HbA1c levels by about 0.4%, suggesting that controlling diabetes may reduce the risk and severity of periodontitis. The dental team plays a crucial role in screening for diabetes and managing periodontal conditions, emphasizing the importance of oral health in overall health management.