Schwartz AV, Backlund JYC, de Boer IH, Rubin MR, Barnie A, Farrell K, Trapani VR, Gregory NS, Wallia A, Bebu I, Lachin JM, Braffett BH, Gubitosi-Klug R. Risk factors for lower bone mineral density in older adults with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional study.
Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2022;
10:509-518. [PMID:
35576955 DOI:
10.1016/s2213-8587(22)00103-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Type 1 diabetes is associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk, but little is known regarding the effects of diabetes-related factors on BMD. We assessed whether these factors are associated with lower hip BMD among older adults with type 1 diabetes.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was embedded in a long-term observational study, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study (EDIC), a cohort of participants with type 1 diabetes, who were originally enrolled in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), and were followed-up for more than 30 years at 27 sites in the USA and Canada. All active EDIC participants were eligible except if they were pregnant, weighed above the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner limit, had an implanted neurostimulator, or were not willing to participate. The primary study outcome was total hip BMD. Hip, spine, and radius BMD and trabecular bone score (TBS) were measured with DXA at an annual EDIC visit (2017-19). Time-weighted mean HbA1c, kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy were measured annually during EDIC, and retinopathy was measured every 4 years. Skin intrinsic fluorescence, a measure of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and cardiac autonomic neuropathy were assessed once (2009-10) during EDIC.
FINDINGS
1147 of the 1441 participants who were enrolled in the DCCT trial remained active EDIC participants at the start of this cross-sectional study. Between Sept 20, 2017, and Sept 19, 2019, 1094 of 1147 participants were screened for the EDIC Skeletal Health study. 1058 participants completed at least one of a set of DXA scans and were included in the analysis. 47·8% were women and 52·2% were men, 96·6% were White and 3·4% were of other race or ethnicity. The mean age of participants was 59·2 years (SD 6·7). Higher mean HbA1c, higher skin intrinsic fluorescence, and kidney disease (but not retinopathy or neuropathy) were independently associated with a lower total hip BMD. Total hip BMD differed by -10·7 mg/cm2 (95% CI -19·6 to -1·7) for each 1% increase in mean HbA1c, -20·5 mg/cm2 (-29·9 to -11·0) for each 5 unit higher skin intrinsic fluorescence, and -51·7 mg/cm2 (-80·6 to -22·7) in the presence of kidney disease. Similar associations were found for femoral neck and ultra-distal radius BMD, but not for lumbar spine BMD or TBS.
INTERPRETATION
Poorer glycaemic control, AGE accumulation, and kidney disease are independent risk factors for lower hip BMD in older adults with type 1 diabetes. Maintenance of glycaemic control and prevention of kidney disease might reduce bone loss and ultimately fractures in this population. Osteoporosis screening might be particularly important in people with these risk factors. Further research to identify AGE blockers could benefit skeletal health.
FUNDING
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.
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