Fracture risk, bone density and vitamin D in diabetic women

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Aging is associated with the increasing
prevalence of both type 2 diabetes mellitus
and osteoporosis, especially in the elderly and female
population.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS. We conducted a study
to evaluate the correlation between vitamin D deficiency,
type 2 diabetes (DMT2), and osteoporosis in a
group of Italian women aged 40 to 75 years, comparing
biochemical-clinical parameters, anthropometric
parameters, and results of instrumental investigations,
such as the MOC-DEXA examination.
RESULTS. The results show a lower bone mineral
density and, consequently, an increased risk of osteoporosis
fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes (DMT2).
The responsible mechanism is particularly complex
and not yet fully clarified. In addition, there is a negative
correlation between plasma levels of vitamin D
(25(OH)D) and an increase in insulin resistance with
an increase in blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); in
other words, there is a higher mean vitamin D value in
non-diabetic patients than in the population of women
with diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS. Vitamin D deficiency plays a key
role in the development of insulin resistance as well
as in the development of osteoporosis and, in patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is a greater loss of
bone matrix integrity and consequently there is a significant
increase in the risk of bone fracture. This figure
is significant for future preventive and therapeutic
clinical choices.