Bone health in type 1 diabetes

AbstractTo investigate bone health and body composition in young women with long-duration type 1 diabetes (T1D) in relation to matched controls. Twenty-three Swedish women, age 19.2–27.9 years, with a T1D duration of 10 years or more were recruited from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry (NDR). An age-, gender- and geography-matched control group was recruited. Bone mass and body composition were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Data was retrieved from the NDR and SWEDIABKIDS registries. T1D individuals had a mean diabetes duration of 19 years. T1D individuals had reduced lean mass (40.0 ± 6.1 kg vs. 43.9 ± 4.9 kg) and were shorter (1.66 ± 0.06 m vs. 1.71 ± 0.06 m) although comparable BMI. Subjects with T1D had lower muscle area (P = 0.0045). No differences were observed for fractures; physical activity; total, lumbar spine or femur areal bone mineral density. The cortical bone strength strain index was lower for TD1 patients (1875 ± 399 mm3 vs. 2277 ± 332 mm3). In conclusion, young women with long-term diabetes duration showed reduced cortical bone strength, decreased periosteal circumference, endosteal circumference and altered body composition. These factors contribute to the health burden of TD1, which warrants further attention for advancing bone health in women with T1D.

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Recurrent vertebral fractures in a young adult: a closer look at bone health in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports ◽

10.1530/edm-18-0010 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

Author(s):

Eleanor P Thong ◽

Sarah Catford ◽

Julie Fletcher ◽

Phillip Wong ◽

Peter J Fuller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Fracture Risk ◽

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Vertebral Fractures ◽

Bone Health ◽

Bone Microarchitecture ◽

List Type ◽

Secondary Fracture

Summary The association between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and bone health has garnered interest over the years. Fracture risk is known to be increased in individuals with T1DM, although bone health assessment is not often performed in the clinical setting. We describe the case of a 21-year-old male with longstanding T1DM with multilevel vertebral fractures on imaging, after presenting with acute back pain without apparent trauma. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) revealed significantly reduced bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Extensive investigations for other secondary or genetic causes of osteoporosis were unremarkable, apart from moderate vitamin D deficiency. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and bone biospy revealed significant alterations of trabecular bone microarchitecture. It later transpired that the patient had sustained vertebral fractures secondary to unrecognised nocturnal hypoglycaemic seizures. Intravenous zoledronic acid was administered for secondary fracture prevention. Despite anti-resorptive therapy, the patient sustained a new vertebral fracture after experiencing another hypoglycaemic seizure in his sleep. Bone health in T1DM is complex and not well understood. There are significant challenges in the assessment and management of osteoporosis in T1DM, particularly in young adults, where fracture prediction tools have not been validated. Clinicians should be aware of hypoglycaemia as a significant risk factor for fracture in patients with T1DM. Learning points: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a secondary cause of osteoporosis, characterised by reduced bone mass and disturbed bone microarchitecture. Hypoglycaemic seizures generate sufficient compression forces along the thoracic column and can cause fractures in individuals with compromised bone quality. Unrecognised hypoglycaemic seizures should be considered in patients with T1DM presenting with fractures without a history of trauma. Patients with T1DM have increased fracture risk and risk factors should be addressed. Evaluation of bone microarchitecture may provide further insights into mechanisms of fracture in T1DM. Further research is needed to guide the optimal screening and management of bone health in patients with T1DM.

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