Osteoporosis and Diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect your bone health. It increases your risk of fractures, injuries, or worse, osteoporosis. What is osteoporosis? What are its symptoms?
Osteoporosis is a serious bone disease that occurs when bone mineral density and mass start declining. It is also characterized by a change in the bone’s structure and strength. While it is common in older adults, the condition can also develop at an early age. Its most common first indication is a bone fracture.
How is diabetes linked to osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is one of the many bone problems associated with diabetes. That is why it is essential to know how varying blood sugar levels make our bones fragile and brittle.
The following factors explain the link of diabetes to bone problems, particularly osteoporosis.
- Frequent diabetes spikes stop certain cells from producing solid bones.
- Diabetic kidney damage causes calcium loss. Without calcium, the bones become easily fractured.
- Type 2 diabetes patients receive and take medications that increase the risk of bone fracture.
According to studies, osteoporosis is common in type 1 diabetes patients. The explanation includes the composition of having lower bone mineral density for people diagnosed under this category. Although there isn’t enough evidence implying the authenticity of this explanation, a hypothesis of insulin being a part of how bones assist in blood sugar regulation may help in the study.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes patients have an increased risk of fracture. However, more research is necessary to support such a claim and hypothesis.
How to treat and prevent osteoporosis?
A sufficient supply of vitamin D and calcium is essential for osteoporosis patients. These nutrients can be found in different food varieties, supplements, and medications. Treatment may also involve hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone treatment, denosumab, and bisphosphonates.
There are significant health factors that an individual must follow to prevent osteoporosis. These are as follows:
- Manage diabetes properly before complications develop, especially bone problems.
- Take part in physical activities, such as swimming, yoga, and walking.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption. Choosing to side with these positive actions can keep bones healthy.
- Install handrails on stairs at home. This should be followed and observed in homes with elderly residents.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Choose food rich in calcium and vitamin D. Some options include spinach, kale, soybeans, white beans, okra, collards, salmon, sardines, oatmeal, and cereal.
