[Bone density in type 2 diabetes as related to obesity and adrenal function]

The purpose of the study was to analyse bone density in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with respect to such factors as the magnitude of obesity, serum cortisol concentration and 17-ketosteroid excretion and insulinemia level. Bone density was measured by ultrasonography, insulin was determined by radioimmunoassay, and steroid level by using the method of Zimmerman. The patients had imminent and overt osteoporosis. The highest serum cortisol concentration was in groups with lower T-score significant negative correlation between cortisol and SOS index. The lowest 17-ketosteroid level was detected in the patients with the lowest T-score; a significant correlation was observed between 17-ketosteroids and BUA index. The present findings indicate an imbalance between bone protective and resorptive factors. This leads to osteopenia in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus despite a protective effect of obesity.