Diabetes Increases The Risk Of Fractures

Patients with diabetes are more likely to suffer from fractures at some point in their life. We detail in this article the most affected bones and ways to prevent these injuries.

Diabetes presents several complications, including an increased risk of fractures. Although this is a metabolic disease, it does not only affect the presence of substances in the blood. As blood sugar rises, so too does the possibility of suffering from other pathologies.

Several causes converge for the increase in sugar in the circulation to have an impact on bone tissue. But it is possible to take preventive measures. Here are some explanations.

Metabolism in diabetic patients

Diabetes is a metabolic disease. Its main symptom is an increase in blood sugar level  which is usually noticeable in the morning on an empty stomach before eating.

As a pathology of metabolism, diabetes not only affects blood sugar levels, but also changes the balance of lipids, proteins and minerals. Insulin, which is the impaired hormone in this case, influences many processes in the body.

In addition to the more well-known complications such as cardiovascular or kidney problems, we must add the consequences on bone tissue. Bones depend on the concentration of calcium  and the ability of bone cells to make bone.

Diabetes and causes of fractures

Men and women with diabetes are more prone to fractures. Hormonal changes, signs of inflammation and certain medications are associated with this complication. What are other possible triggers?

Neuropathy

High blood sugar for too long damages the fat coverage of neurons. The nerves, especially in the lower extremities, begin to transmit nerve impulses less efficiently. As a result,  diabetic neuropathy impairs balance and people tend to fall more.

Dysautonomia

This term refers to the poor function of the nervous system, more specifically the autonomic nervous system. It is the part of the nerves which regulates and controls all the automatic functions which do not need a direct and conscious order.

Thus, in diabetic dysautonomia, patients have difficulty maintaining their blood pressure when standing up. This promotes fainting and dizziness, resulting in a fall and a fracture due to the trauma.

Osteoporosis, one of the causes of fractures in diabetes

Osteoporosis is more common in people with diabetes than in the rest of the population. Since insulin is an anabolic hormone, that is, it stimulates tissue production, the fact that it is deficient in the body slows down bone repair.

Retinopathy

One of the big complications of diabetes is retinopathy. The small arteries in the retina of the eye rupture without being able to clot and this affects vision. Of course,  any visual impairment increases the possibility of falls and fractures.

What are the most common fractures in people with diabetes?

Several studies carried out on diabetic subjects have made it possible to establish the relative frequency of fractures. This gives us on average indications of the parts of the body most affected.

Let’s talk about type 1 diabetes first. This type of disease is one that does not have enough insulin, and patients require an external and artificial supply of insulin. In this case, osteoporosis is much more common, as well as changes in vision.

Hypoglycemia also plays a key role as insulin usage is often confused about the correct doses for each time of the day. When the sugar level drops, dizziness and the ensuing drop occur.

In addition, the most common fractures in type 1 diabetes are hip and spine fractures. This phenomenon has been particularly noted in patients with proven cardiovascular and renal comorbidities.

On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes, the most common fractures are those of the forearm and hip. Even though these patients have bone densities that are not that much different from the rest of the population, it is suspected that sugar affects bone mechanics.

How to prevent the risk of fractures in diabetes?

Although statistics indicate an increased risk of fractures among diabetic patients,  there are possible measures to prevent these injuries. Beyond blood sugar control, other issues can be taken into account in daily life in order to improve the prognosis.

As we have often stated, professional follow-up is above all essential. Sugar should be kept at normal values ​​through diet and medication to avoid serious complications such as cardiovascular and kidney problems.

Physical activity is another pillar of the approach. This is because diabetes increases the risk of fractures in people who are sedentary  and have less muscle mass. Sport therefore not only provides sugar in the muscle, but it also strengthens bone tissue.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is the incorporation of vitamin D into the body. This vitamin is produced when we get enough exposure to the sun. If necessary, it can be administered artificially in the form of supplements with drugs when the values ​​are very low or the person lives in a cold region with little sun during the year.

On the other hand, green leafy vegetables are a great option for incorporating vitamins and calcium,  which is also obtained through dairy products. Regular consumption of these foods helps the bone to regenerate and maintain its internal density. This makes it more difficult to break through small trauma.

The importance of densitometry

In addition to taking preventative measures, patients with diabetes should undergo densitometry. This test measures the bone concentration and allows to know the degree of risk of fractures.

In any case,  anyone can take control of the disease and apply self-care measures. Finally, with the help of a doctor, it is possible to follow up in order to take the necessary precautions and reduce the risk of bone fractures.