Summary Aim We sought (a) to assess the association between periodontal disease and diabetes, controlling for socio‐demographic characteristics, comorbidities, oral health status and lifestyle variables; (b) to identify which of these variables are independently associated with periodontal disease among diabetes sufferers. Methods We conducted a case‐control study using data from the National/European Health Interview Surveys, conducted from 2003 to 2014 in Spain. We included 65 295 subjects ≥40 years. Diabetes status was self‐reported. One non‐diabetic control was matched by the year‐of‐survey, age and sex for each diabetic patient. The presence of periodontal disease was defined using the answer "my teeth bleed spontaneously or while brushing" or/and "my teeth move" to the following question: "Do you suffer of any of these dental and oral disorders or disease?". Independent variables included demographic, socio‐economic and healthcare related variables, oral health status and comorbidities. Results The prevalence of periodontal disease was higher among those suffering from diabetes than their non‐diabetes controls (23.8% vs 19.5%; P < 0.001). Adjusted OR of periodontal disease for subjects with diabetes was 1.22 (95% CI; 1.03‐1.45). Among diabetes sufferers, missing teeth status (OR 2.08, 95% CI; 1.70‐2.53), suffering osteoporosis (OR 1.41, 95% CI; 1.07‐1.63) and suffering depression (OR 1.39, 95% CI; 1.12‐1.71) were positively associated with higher risk of periodontal disease. Older ages, using private insurance and university education level were associated with lower rates of periodontitis. Conclusions Diabetes subjects have an increased likelihood of periodontal disease. Dentists and physicians should increase their awareness with their diabetic patients, especially those with lower educational level, with missing teeth, osteoporosis and depression.