A new paper in JAMA Network Open determines whether type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of fractures in older women. Study: Type 2 Diabetes and Fracture Risk in Older Women . Image Credit: Barabasa / Shutterstock.
com How does diabetes affect other organs? Diabetes affects over 500 million individuals worldwide, and its prevalence is expected to continue to rise. Only about 4% of these individuals are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, whereas the remaining 96% of people with diabetes are diagnosed with T2DM. Diabetes mellitus results in multi-organ systemic damage, including renal failure, cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and reduced physical function.
T2DM is also associated with an increased risk of fractures, with this risk varying with the duration and treatment of the condition. Potential reasons for this association include the accumulation of end-glycation products (AGEs) on bone strength, lower bone turnover, altered epigenetic markers like micro-ribonucleic acids (microRNAs) regulating bone strength, or changes in bone marrow fat deposits. Prior research suggests that women with T2DM have higher bone mineral density (BMD) but weaker bone microstructure and cortical porosity.
The current study further examined the high risk of fractures in women with T2DM and determined whether this risk was due to poor physical function or weaker bone structure. About the study The current study included 3,008 women between 75 and 80 years of age..