Diabetes and Bone

Marked differences in prediabetes- and diabetes-associated comorbidities between men and women-Epidemiological results from a general population-based cohort aged 6-80 years-The LEAD (Lung, hEart, sociAl, boDy) study

BACKGROUND

Based on biological and behavioural diversity sex and gender may affect comorbidities associated with prediabetes and diabetes. Besides evaluating the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes (using fasting plasma glucose and HbA1_c levels), the primary aim of the study is to investigate sex and gender differences in the prevalence of comorbidities in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes and to identify possible risk factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes.

DESIGN

This observational, population-based cohort study included 11.014 subjects aged 6-80 years. Examinations included blood samples, ankle-brachial index, ECG, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

Across all ages, prevalence of prediabetes was 20.2% (male 23.6%; female 17.1%), and 5.4% for diabetes (male 7.3%; female 3.7%). The prevalence of prediabetes ranged from 4.4% (6-<10 years) up to 40.4% (70+ years) in men and from 4.8% up to 42.3% in women. Comorbidity profile was markedly different between male and female, particularly in those with prediabetes: women more often suffered from arrhythmia, noncoronary artery disease, osteoporosis, increased systemic inflammatory biomarkers and depression, while men with prediabetes more often showed angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and media sclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The unexpected 4.6% prevalence of prediabetes in children aged 6-10 underscores the need for population-based studies across all ages and the onset of prevention of diabetes at a young age. Marked differences have been found in comorbidities as men with prediabetes and diabetes more often suffer from cardiovascular disease, while women more often show arrhythmia, noncoronary artery disease, increased systemic inflammatory biomarkers and depression.

Managing and maintaining bone mineral density in diabetes patients with pharmacotherapy

INTRODUCTION

The population of patients with osteoporosis and diabetes is increasing as the aging population increases. Loss of bone mineral density occurs in patients with diabetes, but is not always a priority in the practice setting. The aim of this review is to discuss clinical considerations when managing osteoporosis in patients with diabetes. Areas covered: The pathophysiology of decreased bone mineral density in patients with diabetes is discussed. Additionally, diabetic risk factors for fracture, such as hypoglycemia, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommendations for osteoporosis, and secondary causes of osteoporosis, including disease and medication related causes, are discussed. Furthermore, recommendations for antihyperglycemic agents, thiazolidinediones, canagliflozin, insulin, metformin, and sitagliptin are discussed due to their effects on bone mineral density. Expert opinion: Even though diabetes is an important risk factor for osteoporosis, assessing bone health in diabetic patients is often overlooked. Ensuring adequate prevention and treatment strategies for osteoporosis is vitally important with our diabetic patients as the population ages. T-scores and FRAX scores likely underrepresent a diabetic patients risk for fracture, and this should be taken into consideration in treatment decisions. Future studies are needed to determine optimal pharmacologic treatment of hyperglycemia in this population.