Type 2 Diabetes Risk Linked to Increased Bone Fracture

Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the bodys ability to produce or utilize insulin. About 422 million people are living with diabetes, and it will rise to 642 million by 2040.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps maintain normal blood sugar (blood glucose) level.

There are three types of diabetes. Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood, involved in taking insulin shots daily. Type 2 diabetes starts in the later stage of the life. This condition can be managed with medications and diet.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when women without history of diabetes develop high sugar levels during pregnancy. (View Infographic on Back Pain http://www.medindia.net/health-infographics/diabetes.htm)

Osteoporosis

200 million people worldwide are affected by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of bone loss is higher when compared to the rate of bone formation. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become weak and brittle. It affects men and women of all races.

Osteoporosis and Diabetes Link

Although osteoporosis is the primary cause of bone fractures, diabetes has also been implicated in raising the risk of bone fractures in middle-elderly aged people.

Researchers have shown that the hormone osteocalcin is a (bone gamma-carboxy glutamic acid-containing protein), found in bone which regulates insulin secretion by the pancreas.

Researchers have found a significant increase of bone fractures in women younger than age 75 who are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for a long duration. However although the bone density level is increased in people with type 2 diabetes, fractures are also increased.

A research team in the United States says, people with diabetes had a 64% higher risk of fractures bone fractures than compared with individuals without diabetes and also researchers expect that increased bone fractures in type 2 diabetes may be due to negative impact on the bone structure. The long-term use of some antidiabetic drugs has also been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis Management in People with Diabetes

Healthy Diet rich in vitamin C and D: Include calcium, potassium and magnesium-rich foods (broccoli, pineapple, guava, whole grains, oats) and leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, lettuce) in your diet. Calcium is contained in various foods, especially in dairy products. Calcium supplements can also be consumed with a physician’s recommendation.

Make time for exercise: Exercise is good for the heart, joints, to maintain blood pressure and energy levels. Regular exercises like walking, jogging help prevent bone loss, flexibility and strengthen the muscles. It helps in maintaining the blood glucose levels in the diabetic patients.

Give up smoking: Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol intake help manage diabetes and also keep the bones healthy.

References:

http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/bone/Osteoporosis/Conditions_Behaviors/diabetes.asp