TNF and diabetes mellitus: PT reduces the risk for CVD by improving plasma levels of inflammatory (CRP, IL-6, TNF-a), thrombotic (fibrinogen), and metabolic (triglycerides, TC, HDL-C, HbA1c) markers and endothelial function. This improvement is sustained well more than 6 months after therapy, and it is greater in those individuals having both periodontitis and co-morbidities like CVD and/or DM. Our findings emphasize the effectiveness and need for periodontal diagnosis and periodontal therapy in atherosclerotic and diabetic individuals to improve their systemic health.