Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
18.4K
Building Strong Foundations: Bone Health in Pediatric Patients with Diabetes
Cara V Tillotson1, Melissa D Garganta1
1Pediatric Endocrinology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke VA, United States.
Current Pediatrics Reports
|February 16, 2026
Summary
Children with diabetes face a higher risk of bone fractures throughout life. Optimizing bone health through diet, exercise, and blood sugar management is crucial for these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Bone Disease
- Diabetes Mellitus
Background:
- Skeletal development is crucial during childhood and adolescence.
- Diabetes is associated with an increased lifelong risk of osteoporotic fractures.
- Bone health is a significant concern in pediatric medicine, particularly for individuals with diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of bone health in pediatric diabetes.
- To discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, and management of bone complications in diabetic children.
- To review current recommendations for optimizing bone health in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on bone health in pediatric diabetes.
- Analysis of the impact of diabetes on skeletal development and bone accrual.
- Synthesis of current evidence regarding fracture risk and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Patients with diabetes have a persistently elevated risk of fractures.
- Glycemic control, nutrition, and physical activity are vital for preventing bone complications.
- Bisphosphonate therapy for pediatric osteoporosis is reserved for those with fragility fractures.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians must encourage lifestyle modifications for diabetic patients to enhance bone health.
- Adequate nutrition (calcium, vitamin D), exercise, and glycemic control are essential.
- Bone density screening (DXA) and specialist referral are indicated for specific fracture histories.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
5.6K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
5.6K
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
6.6K
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
6.6K
01:02What is the Skeletal System?
57.7K
Overview
57.7K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
5.7K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
5.7K
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
705
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
705
01:22The Functions of the Skeletal System
6.1K
The most apparent functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, and movement. However, bone tissue also performs several other critical metabolic functions. For one, the bone matrix acts as a reservoir for a number of minerals important to the functioning of the body, especially calcium and phosphorus. These minerals, present in the bone tissue, can be released back into the bloodstream when required. Calcium ions, for example, are essential for muscle contractions and controlling...
6.1K