Falls and Fractures in Diabetes-More than Bone Fragility

Based on a systematic literature search, we performed a comprehensive review of risk factors for falls and fractures in patients with diabetes.

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of fractures partly explained by increased bone fragility. Several risk factors as altered body composition including sarcopenia and obesity, impaired postural control, gait deficits, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and other co-morbidities are considered to increase the risk of falling. Diabetes and bone fragility is well studied, but new thresholds for fracture assessment should be considered. In general, the risk factors for falls in patients with diabetes are well documented in several studies. However, the fall mechanisms among diabetic patients have only been assessed in few studies. Thus, a gab of knowledge exits and may influence the current understanding and treatment, in order to reduce the risk of falling and thereby prevent fractures.