Influence of diabetes on peripheral bone mineral density in men: a controlled study

Abstract

The aims of the study were to (1) compare peripheral bone mineral density (BMD) in men with diabetes to peripheral BMD in non-diabetic men, and (2) explore factors which may predict BMD in diabetic men. Ninety men with type 2 diabetes and 35 men with type 1 diabetes were randomly selected for participation via a computerised database. Fifty healthy males were also recruited. All patients had peripheral BMD measured by dual energy Xray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the non-dominant distal radius. Information on a number of clinical parameters was obtained by direct questioning, and from patient case notes. The mean age (95% confidence interval (CI)) of the type 1 diabetic group, type 2 diabetic group and control group were, respectively: 49.3 years (44.6–53.9), 62.8 years (60.7–64.8) and 38.5 (34.9–42.1) years. Median (95% CI) Z-scores for the three groups were: -0.18 (-0.68 to +0.32), +0.19 (-0.14 to +0.49) and -0.02 (-0.4 to +0.31), respectively (p=not significant). Only body mass index (BMI) was correlated with BMD in the type 1 diabetic group, and only BMI and age were correlated with BMD in type 2 diabetics. There was no correlation between BMD and glycosylated haemoglobin concentration (HbA₁c), disease duration or presence of microvascular or macrovascular complications in either of the diabetic groups. We did not find any significant difference in peripheral BMD between patients with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and controls.