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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Three-dimensional Imaging and Analysis of Mitochondria within Human Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers
Published on: September 29, 2017
Autonomic nerve fiber function and bone mineral density in individuals with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Raelene E Maser1, John N Stabley, M James Lenhard
1Department of Medical Technology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States. rmaser@udel.edu
Aims:
Experimental models support a role for the sympathetic nervous system in bone metabolism. Beta-adrenoreceptors have been demonstrated on osteoblast-like cells. Beta-blocker use is associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD) in some epidemiologic studies. The aim of this study was to determine if measures of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) were associated with reduced BMD in type 1 diabetes.
Methods:
We studied 66 individuals with type 1 diabetes. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD and bone mineral content (BMC). Measures of heart rate variability (HRV) (e.g., power spectral analysis, mean circular resultant) and circulating norepinephrine levels were used to evaluate autonomic function.
Results:
BMD/BMC were examined by gender for individuals with a normal versus elevated low-frequency (LF) band (expressed in normalized units). No significant differences in BMD/BMC were shown for individuals with an elevated LF band. Direct-entry linear regression models with BMD/BMC as the dependent variable were performed. Duration, gender, BMI, HbA(1c), insulin dose/kg, activity energy expenditure, and measures of HRV were entered as potential independent variables. No measures of HRV, or norepinephrine, were independently associated with BMD/BMC.
Conclusions:
The ANS, as assessed by measures of HRV, does not appear to impact BMD/BMC in type 1 diabetes.
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