In a nutshell
This study examined whether an intense lifestyle intervention in type 2 diabetic patients was associated with increased bone loss.
Some background
Obesity can contribute to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and T2D patients are advised to make lifestyle changes in order to lose weight as weight loss has been shown to reverse or slow progression of T2D. An intense lifestyle intervention (ILI) has been designed to promote weight loss in T2D patients and to increase fitness. Losing weight, however, can also lead to a greater loss of bone, increasing the risk of developing bone fractures.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether T2D patients participating in ILI had a higher rate of bone loss at the hip compared to those not participating in ILI. This study involved 1,309 obese T2D patients divided into 2 groups. One group took part in the ILI while the other group received standard diabetes support and education.
Weight loss and fitness were compared between both groups. The bone mineral density (a measure of strength of the bone) was measured at the beginning of the study, after 1 year and after 4 years in order to determine the rate of bone loss in both groups. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess the level of physical activity.
ILI participants had greater weight loss and increased fitness after 4 years in comparison to those not participating in ILI. The rate of bone loss in men was greater in ILI participants. A higher rate of bone loss was associated with greater weight loss and the rate of bone loss was higher after 1 year in comparison to 4 years. The rate of bone loss in women after 4 years was similar between both groups.
The bottom line
This study concluded that an intense lifestyle intervention is associated with increased bone loss at the hip in men but not in women.
The fine print
Vitamin D or calcium supplements may have reduced the rate of bone loss in individuals, but it was not known whether participants were taking supplements.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the strategies which can be taken to maintain bone mineral density if you are losing weight.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Jul 21, 2014
