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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
12:04
Assessment of Bone Fracture Healing Using Micro-Computed Tomography
Published on: December 9, 2022
Diabetes, fracture, and bone fragility.
Ann V Schwartz1, Deborah E Sellmeyer
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 185 Berry Street, Suite 5700, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA. aschwartz@psg.ucsf.edu
Current Osteoporosis Reports
|October 11, 2007
Summary
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase fracture risk due to reduced bone strength, not just falls. Bone fragility in diabetes requires further research for prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Orthopedics
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are linked to higher fracture risks.
- While type 1 diabetes shows lower bone density, type 2 diabetes often presents with higher bone density.
- Despite differing bone densities, diabetic bone exhibits increased fragility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking diabetes to increased fracture risk.
- To explore potential mechanisms contributing to bone fragility in diabetes.
- To highlight the need for clinical awareness and further research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on diabetes and fracture risk.
- Analysis of factors influencing bone strength in diabetic patients.
- Examination of pathways affected by diabetes, such as hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end products.
Main Results:
- Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) is associated with an elevated risk of hip and other fractures.
- Increased falls contribute to risk, but impaired bone strength is also a significant factor.
- Pathways like obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and collagen glycation impact bone quality.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must recognize the heightened fracture risk in diabetic patients.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of bone fragility in diabetes is crucial.
- Developing effective fracture prevention strategies for individuals with diabetes is a priority.
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