[Metabolic bone diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus]

Both of genetic backgrounds and life-style are involved in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. Nowadays they are common diseases in the elderly people in the developed countries. Quality of life in people who have diabetes and osteoporosis are frequently impaired. Thus, adequate care and treatment are needed for both diseases. Bone metabolism is regulated by complicated mechanisms that involve mineral metabolism and endocrine systems. Recent studies have shown that sympathetic nerve system, glucose and lipid metabolism are also involved in bone remodeling. Clinical studies have demonstrated that diabetes is an independent risk factor for fracture in the elderly women. Therefore, one should understand and care for disorders in bone metabolism in patients with diabetes individually, since pathophysiology of diabetes is complicated and diverse in each patient.