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Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoporosis

  • Diabetes and Other Diseases—Emerging Associations (D Aron, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (particularly type 2) and osteoporosis are two very common disorders, and both are increasing in prevalence. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus may not reach potential peak bone mass, putting them at greater fracture risk. In adults with type 2 diabetes, fracture risk is increased and is not explained by the bone mineral density measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, still considered the gold standard predictor of fracture. In this review, we explore potential mechanisms behind the increased fracture risk that occurs in patients with diabetes, even those with increased bone mineral density. One potential link between diabetes and bone is the osteoblast-produced factor, osteocalcin. It remains to be established whether osteocalcin reflects or affects the connection between bone and glucose metabolism. Several other potential mediators of the effects of diabetes on bone are discussed.

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Conflict of Interest

Robert Sealand declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Christie Razavi declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Robert A. Adler has been a consultant for Amgen. He has received grant support from Merck, Eli Lily, Novartis, Genentech, and Amgen. He receives royalties from Springer as a book editor, and he is a section editor for the Springer journal Current Osteoporosis Reports. He is also on the Council of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

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  1. Endocrinology (111P), McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA

    Robert Sealand, Christie Razavi & Robert A. Adler

  2. Endocrine Division, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, P.O. Box 980111, Richmond, VA, 23298-0111, USA

    Robert Sealand, Christie Razavi & Robert A. Adler

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Sealand, R., Razavi, C. & Adler, R.A. Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoporosis. Curr Diab Rep 13, 411–418 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-013-0376-x

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