Are broken bones more common in young and middle-aged adults with type 1 diabetes?

This study investigated the risk of fractures (broken bones) in young and middle-aged adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It was determined that T1D was associated with a higher risk of fracture in young and middle-aged adults compared to those without T1D.

In people with T1D the skeleton is more likely to become fragile. Previous research suggests that fractures are more likely to occur in people with T1D. However, further research is needed to determine the risk of fractures in young and middle-aged adults with T1D.

This study examined data from six different studies. 35,925 people with T1D and 2,455,016 people without T1D participated. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 50.

4.8% of participants with T1D had a fracture, compared to 2% of those without T1D. Those with T1D were 88% more likely to have a fracture. 0.16% of participants with T1D fractured a hip, compared to 0.03% of those without T1D. Those with T1D were 4.4 times more likely to have a hip fracture.

Women with T1D were 1.85 times more likely to have any fracture, and 5.79 times more likely to have a hip fracture, than women without T1D. Men with T1D were 1.73 times more likely to have any fracture, and 3.67 times more likely to have a hip fracture, than men without T1D. Men and women with T1D were equally likely to have a hip fracture.

The study concluded that young and middle-aged adults with T1D are more likely to experience a fracture, particularly a hip fracture, than those without T1D.

Differences between the different studies may have limited comparisons. For example, some studies only investigated hip fractures, and others only investigated spinal fractures. Certain data was not available to the researchers, such as duration of T1D, the presence of other complications and diseases, and how the fractures occurred. Furthermore, the majority of participants were Caucasian, so the results may not apply equally to all young and middle-aged adults with T1D.

Discuss the risk of fractures with your physician.