Exploring The Link Between Osteoporosis And Type 2 Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may already have enough to worry about without the additional fear of osteoporosis. Unfortunately, although these two conditions may not be directly related, type 2 diabetes can contribute to the development of osteoporosis in a number of ways. This risk is particularly high if you are an older woman who is already more vulnerable to osteoporosis. Read on to learn more about the link between these two diseases and what you can do to minimize the health effects of both. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a risk factor for both osteoporosis and diabetes, though it doesn't need to be present for either condition to develop. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by an inability to process sugar, which can also lead to or be caused by metabolic dysfunction and obesity. The exact correlation between obesity and osteoporosis is not perfectly understood, but it seems to be related to cellular production within the bone marrow. This marrow contains both fat and bone cells, and overweight individuals tend to have a higher ratio of fat-to-bone in this crucial area. This loss of skeletal strength may be the reason why obese patients are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. 

Manage the Risk of Falls

Type 2 diabetes can keep you on a metabolic roller coaster as your blood sugar falls and rises, especially if you have trouble controlling your disorder. When your blood sugar swings too far in either direction, you may experience dizziness or even black out, increasing your likelihood of falls. This is dangerous enough for diabetics, but if you also have osteoporosis, it can lead to serious fractures of fragile bones. Always find a seat when you feel yourself getting dizzy, and keep careful tabs on your blood sugar levels to avoid any surprise falls that could leave you waking up in a hospital. 

Stay Aware of Conflicting Medications

In 2010, a study confirmed that rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, frequent ingredients in diabetes medication, significantly increase the risk of fractures in women. These chemicals create symptoms similar to osteoporosis that can quickly exacerbate any existing bone weakness. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, speak with your doctor to ensure that your medication is not putting you in needless danger. Thankfully, with knowledge, awareness and regular medical examinations, you can reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis or at least minimize its impact on your body. Call your doctor if you have any concerns about these two conditions or if you begin to notice worrisome symptoms.

For more information on the relationship between these disease, contact a company like Sarasota Arthritis Center.  


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