A new study published in the journal Diabetes Care has found that diabetes is a major threat to bone health. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in India, found that people with diabetes are more likely to have low bone density and osteoporosis, and are at an increased risk of bone fractures.
The study looked at data from over 1,000 people with diabetes and over 1,000 people without diabetes. The researchers found that people with diabetes had a significantly lower bone density than people without diabetes. They also found that people with diabetes were more likely to have osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density and increased risk of fractures.
In addition, the researchers found that people with diabetes were at an increased risk of bone fractures. The risk of hip fracture was 6.3 times higher in people with type 1 diabetes and 1.7 times higher in people with type 2 diabetes than in people without diabetes. The risk of vertebral fracture was 2.03 times higher in people with diabetes than in people without diabetes.
The researchers believe that there are a number of factors that contribute to the increased risk of bone fractures in people with diabetes. One factor is that diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels that supply the bones. This damage can lead to poor bone circulation and decreased bone density.
Another factor is that diabetes can affect the production of hormones that are important for bone health. For example, diabetes can reduce the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that is essential for bone growth and development.
The researchers also found that people with diabetes were more likely to have other conditions that can increase the risk of bone fractures, such as kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of bone health in people with diabetes. People with diabetes should talk to their doctor about ways to protect their bones and reduce their risk of fractures. This may include taking medications to improve bone density, such as bisphosphonates or denosumab. It may also include making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
The researchers believe that diabetes increases the risk of bone problems by a number of mechanisms, including:
Reduced insulin production or insulin resistance: Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to absorb glucose from the blood. When insulin production is reduced or the body becomes resistant to insulin, glucose levels in the blood rise. High blood sugar levels can damage bone cells and reduce bone density.
Inflammation: Diabetes is associated with chronic inflammation, which can also damage bone cells and reduce bone density.
Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is essential for bone health. People with diabetes are more likely to be vitamin D deficient than people without diabetes.
Medications: Some medications used to treat diabetes, such as corticosteroids, can weaken bones.
The study’s findings suggest that people with diabetes should take steps to protect their bone health. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. People with diabetes may also need to take additional supplements, such as vitamin D and calcium.
Here are some specific tips for people with diabetes to protect their bone health:
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet for bone health includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to get enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
Get regular exercise. Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, running, and dancing, is especially good for bone health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage bones.
Talk to your doctor about supplements. If you are at risk of bone problems, your doctor may recommend that you take vitamin D and calcium supplements.
If you have diabetes, it is important to talk to your doctor about your bone health. They can help you to develop a plan to protect your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
