Diabetes, a metabolic disorder affecting millions worldwide, is often associated with complications such as cardiovascular issues and nerve damage. However, the impact of diabetes on bone health is a lesser-known but crucial aspect of this complex condition.
To know more about this curious link, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Vikrant Gosavi, Consultant, Endocrinology, Manipal Hospitals, Pune.
Does Diabetes Cause Bone Loss?
According to a study published in Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology, men aged 60–69 who had type 1 diabetes had a 421% increased risk of hip fracture. The same study found that young women with type 1 diabetes, in the 30–39 age group had a 316% increase in the risk of hip fracture.
"Bone loss, a natural part of ageing, is accelerated in patients with diabetes. If the bone loss is mild, it is called osteopenia and the severe form is called osteoporosis," informed Dr Gosavi.
Explaining the process by which diabetes causes osteoporosis, Dr Gosavi said, "So by the age of 30-35, all of us, even without diabetes, tend to lose the accrued bone. But this process becomes a bit faster in those with diabetes."
Talking about the process in detail, he listed:
- Type 1 diabetes impedes bone accrual, the process by which bone acquires more minerals and becomes dense. This process happens during the earlier ages till the age of 21. Although this impediment is not as significant, it depends on how well the blood sugar levels are controlled in type one diabetes patients.
- However, in type 2 diabetes, bone density can become significantly low. In these patients, bone formation slows down because of hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar levels. This accelerates bone breakdown and impedes new accrual of bone. So over the years, if the sugars are not well controlled, the person tends to lose bone mass quite fast.
- Diabetes also tends to impede the protein that makes up bones.
- Additionally, it damages the functioning of the small blood vessels inside the bones.
- Other complications of diabetes include poor vision and balance, increasing the tendency to fall and causing a major fracture in the fragile bones.
Managing Diabetes Related Osteoporosis
One way to manage diabetes related osteoporosis is by being aware of the risk factors that can further aid the tendency of lose bone mass. Listing out a set of preventive measures, Dr Gosavi suggested:
- Sugar control is most important.
- If you have visual disturbances or balance problems, seek timely medical intervention and treatment.
- As per basic medical guidelines, steroid treatment should be avoided as much as possible.
- Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol at all costs. These further accelerate the loss of bone mass.
- For women going through menopause, timely screening and treatment of osteoporosis is a must.
- Other risk factors like long standing digestive issues and liver problems should be timely addressed.
- Everyone above the age of 65 should get screened for osteoporosis.
- Diabetes patients that also have a history of low trauma fracture, osteoporosis in mother or father, long standing history of cigarette or alcohol use, any form of arthritis, and poor gut and liver health should get themselves screened for osteoporosis.
Understanding the intricate relationship between diabetes and bone health is vital for comprehensive healthcare. It is clear that managing diabetes goes beyond glucose control—it involves a holistic approach that considers the well-being of the entire body, including the skeletal system. By prioritising bone health in diabetes management, you can work towards mitigating the risks and maintaining strong and resilient bones.