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Bone mass and structure in adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy peers

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Abstract

Summary

We measured bone mass and structure using pQCT and DXA in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and compared the results with those of healthy peers. Our results showed that diabetes is associated with reduced bone mass and smaller bones. The diabetes-associated deficits seemed to concern male adolescents more than females.

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare bone mass and structure between adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their healthy peers.

Methods

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at radius and tibia, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine and proximal femur were performed for 48 adolescents, 26 girls and 22 boys, with type 1 diabetes, and for healthy peers matched for age, sex, body height and weight, and pubertal maturity.

Results

Diabetes was associated with reduced bone mineral content (BMC) and smaller bone cross-sectional size. Diabetic boys seemed to be more affected than diabetic girls. Among the boys, the mean deficit in BMC of all measured skeletal sites was more than 10%, while among the girls it was less than 5%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, type 1 diabetes is associated with reduced BMC and appears to affect bone cross-sectional size and cortical rigidity. The diabetes-related skeletal deficits seemed to concern male adolescents more than females. Whether diabetes-related deficits would contribute to an increased risk of fractures in adulthood or later in life remains to be confirmed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, PO Box 2000, 33521, Tampere, Finland

    M. T. Saha & M. K. Salo

  2. University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland

    M. T. Saha, H. Sievänen & H. H. Saha

  3. UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland

    H. Sievänen

  4. Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland

    S. Tulokas & H. H. Saha

Authors
  1. M. T. Saha
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  2. H. Sievänen
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  3. M. K. Salo
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  4. S. Tulokas
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  5. H. H. Saha
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Correspondence to M. T. Saha.

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Saha, M.T., Sievänen, H., Salo, M.K. et al. Bone mass and structure in adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy peers. Osteoporos Int 20, 1401–1406 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0810-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0810-0

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