J Korean Diabetes.  2013 Dec;14(4):186-189. 10.4093/jkd.2013.14.4.186.

Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoporosis

• Kim KM

• KMID: 2173933
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2013.14.4.186

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by progressive decline in bone mass and bone quality, and increased risk of fracture. As a consequence, osteoporosis has become a serious health problem in aging societies. Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder with substantial morbidity and mortality, is also a major health problem and its prevalence is increasing rapidly. Recent meta-analyses and cohort studies have shown that type 1 and 2 diabetes are associated with higher fracture risk. These findings are partially explained by lower bone mineral density (BMD) in type I diabetes, and impaired bone quality might also cause fragility in diabetic bone. However, the mechanisms underlying low bone strength in type 1 and 2 diabetes are not fully understood. Strategies to improve BMD and to prevent osteoporotic fractures in patients with diabetes may include optimal glycemic control and aggressive prevention of complications. Moreover, increased awareness of osteoporosis is needed in view of the growing aging population of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Keyword

Osteoporosis; Bone fracture; Diabetes mellitus; Bone density

MeSH Terms

Aging
Bone Density
Bone Diseases, Metabolic
Cohort Studies
Diabetes Mellitus*
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Mortality
Osteoporosis*
Osteoporotic Fractures
Prevalence