Osteoporosis and diabetes

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease in the United States. Although the disease has historically been reported mostly in white women, it can affect individuals of both sexes and all ethnic groups. The presence of osteoporosis related to diabetes is not well acknowledged and the impact of osteoporosis in a diabetic patient is often not considered. Routine screening or initiation of preventive medications for osteoporosis in all patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is not recommended at the present time. However, in all patients with diabetes, besides optimal glycemic control, general recommendations regarding adequate dietary calcium intake, regular exercise, and avoidance of other potential risk factors such as smoking should be given. In patients who have positive risk factors for osteoporosis, or in those who present with fractures, evaluation of bone density should be done and respective preventive or therapeutic interventions should be applied.