How to Protect Bones from the Dangers of High Blood Glucose

The most common kind of bone disorder which affects around 10 million Americans is osteoporosis. This is a chronic condition and its characteristics are low bone mass, reduced bone strength and increased risk of bone fracture. This is, particularly at the wrist, spine, and hip. Although fragile bones are not seen as a diabetes complication, there is a possibility for that to change. According to data individuals with type 2 diabetes have a notably bigger incidence of bone fracture. For example, individuals with this chronic disease have a 30 to 40 % higher risk for hip fractures. This is in comparison to individuals without the disease. Therefore, it’s especially crucial for those with chronic conditions to consult their doctor. In that way, they will find out how to make their bones healthy and strong.

The Role of Diabetes in Bone Health

There are many explanations for the effect of this metabolic condition on the risk of fracture and bone mineral density. However, there aren't any studies to back up these explanations. The explanations include an increased rate of falls, diabetic complications, and higher insulin levels. In most studies of type 2 and also type 1 diabetes, the level of blood sugar control doesn't link with the risk of fracture or body mineral density. However, there is a need for more research in order to confirm this finding. One possibility which is currently under investigation is whether AGEs, i.e., advanced glycation end-products accumulate in the tissue of the bones and weaken it. AGEs are substances that form when the sugar reacts with the proteins inside a cell.

Studies on This Topic

Recent studies note that reductions in cardiovascular, kidney and nerve function link to lower fracture, bone mineral density and bone loss among older adults, with or without diabetes. According to a few studies of individuals with type 1 diabetes bone mineral density is linked to diabetic kidney disease - nephropathy, nerve damage - neuropathy, and eye disease – retinopathy. Moreover, researchers note that the increased incidence of fractures might be partly owed to the changes related to the disease in bone quality. Such changes are low blood glucose which might inhibit the rebuilding process of the bones. According to research, poor glycemic control and high sugar levels are related to weaker bones. Individuals with diabetes might have cellular problems that impact bone remodeling, but there is a need for more research on this. Damage to the small blood vessels from high blood glucose might limit the nutrients which are necessary to our bones when it comes to rebuilding.

How to Protect Bones

Proper sugar management is a crucial way to prevent the process of complications, and this includes bone fragility. There are a few risk factors that can lead to osteoporosis. Those risk factors are a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of osteoporosis, excessive alcohol, being thin, smoking, and poor diet. We need to be aware of these risk factors. It’s vital to get an adequate amount of magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium through our diet. It might help if we consume a lot of dark green veggies and expose ourselves to sunlight. A great way to strengthen our bones is by engaging in different weight-bearing activities. We can walk for 30 to 40 minutes or make sure to stand-up every 30 minutes in case we have a sedentary job. Remember that even small changes can have enormous benefits for our bones.