Diabetes and the Chance of Bone Fractures

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Risk of fracture in women with type 2 diabetes: the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, by D.E. Bonds and colleagues. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91:3404–3410, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

People with type 2 diabetes have more bone mass and less bone loss than people without diabetes. But they also are more likely to suffer bone fractures. It’s unknown whether the chance of bone fractures is greater because people with diabetes fall more often or have poorer bone quality.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to learn more about the relationship among diabetes, bone density and quality, and fractures.

Who was studied?

Participants included 93,676 postmenopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, a long-term research project involving 40 medical centers throughout the U.S.

How was the study done?

Researchers used a survey to ask questions about diabetes and fractures. About 6,384 of the participants had bone density tests. The study began in 1993, and participants were followed until 2004.

What did the researchers find?

Women with diabetes were 20% more likely to suffer bone fractures than those without diabetes, even though they tended to have greater bone density in the hip and spine. Researchers noted a greater chance of fractures in the hip, pelvis, upper leg, spine, and foot. The chance of arm, shoulder, and elbow fractures is the same in people with or without diabetes.

What were the limitations of the study?

Much of the study’s information was based on what participants remembered and reported, and it may not be accurate.

What are the implications of the study?

Women with type 2 diabetes are more likely to suffer bone fractures than women without the disease. But the reason for this is unknown. More research may lead to ways to prevent fractures in people with diabetes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Women’s Health Issues

Women and Diabetes