What is osteoporosis?
With age, the process of bone loss is greater than bone formation, so bones become thinner and more fragile.
In the long term, the balance tips towards bone loss and leads to osteoporosis. This medical condition is a silent enemy because it doesn’t hurt unless fractures occur!
People with osteoporosis may suffer fractures after a minor fall from their own height, for example slipping on a carpet in the house. However, 70% of osteoporotic fractures are not investigated endocrinologically. A broken bone is a major risk factor for a new fracture, with the highest risk occurring in the next two years. Spinal and hip fractures can lead to chronic pain, bone deformity, depression and even death.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus comprises a group of metabolic diseases that occur when the pancreas is no longer able to secrete insulin, or when the body can no longer benefit from the insulin it produces. Either of these conditions causes increased blood glucose levels, which in the long term will lead to damage to many organs and tissues. As the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is on the rise, the management of osteoporosis in diabetic patients is a challenge.
Why are patients with diabetes at increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures?
There are many studies currently underway, but one thing is clear, healthy bone structure is
affected by the onset of diabetes.
- Patients with type 1 diabetes have lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of fracture.
- Increased life expectancy in diabetic patients, due to improved medical care, means that osteoporosis of an older age can occur on top of a diabetic bone.
- Women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of fracture because they have complications of diabetes such as visual impairment and neurological dysfunction. In addition, hypoglycemia predisposes to falls and fractures.
- The sedentary lifestyle common in patients with type 2 diabetes interferes with bone health.
Am I at risk?
Although there are no specific recommendations for osteoporosis screening in patients with diabetes, we recommend that you consult with your doctor if you are a candidate for bone mineral density testing. In addition to a healthy diet to ensure you get the calcium you need for your age and vitamin D supplementation, your endocrinologist may also prescribe a treatment to prevent or treat osteoporosis!
Reference: https://www.osteoporosis.founda6on/ https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bone-disease-in-diabetes-mellitus?search=osteoporosis%20diabets&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3 https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bone-disease-in-diabetes-mellitus?search=osteoporosis%20diabets&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
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