diabetes mellitus
Research
Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Are broken hips more common in people with type 1 diabetes?
In a nutshell
This study investigated the risk of hip fractures in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the factors that contributed to this risk. It was determined that people with T1D have a higher risk of hip fractures. The risk was higher for people who were older, who had depressive symptoms, or who were taking medications for osteoporosis.
Some background
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of fractures. This risk depends on the type of diabetes. The increased risk may be due to decreased bone density. Other factors, like nerve damage, visual impairment, and hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose) are common in T1D. These factors may increase the risk of falls, and hence of fractures.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine the exact increase in the risk of hip fractures (broken hips) in people with T1D.
In this study 121 adults with T1D were compared to 484 adults without diabetes. At the start of the study the participants with T1D were given a questionnaire and underwent a physical examination, blood tests, and urine tests. They were then followed for an average of 14.5 years. The number of times a participant was hospitalized for a hip fracture was noted.
During the 14.5 years, 8 participants with T1D (6.6%) were hospitalized for a hip fracture. Only 6 (1.2%) of the participants without diabetes were hospitalized for a hip fracture. People with T1D were 7.11 times more likely to be hospitalized for a hip fracture, after age and gender were taken into account.
People with T1D were more likely to have a hip fracture if they were older, taking medications for osteoporosis, had depressive symptoms, had high blood pressure, had high cholesterol, or had kidney damage. However, after age and body mass index (measure of body fat that takes weight and height into account) were taken into account, only age, medications for osteoporosis, and depressive symptoms were found to have a significant impact.
93 of the participants with T1D were also compared to 93 adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). After taking age and gender into account, people with T1D were 5.32 times more likely to have a hip fracture than people with T2D.
The bottom line
The study concluded that hip fractures are more common in people with T1D than in people without diabetes or people with T2D. Age, osteoporosis medications, and depressive symptoms contributed to this risk.
The fine print
Only a small number of participants in this study had hip fractures. This may have made finding the factors that influenced the increased risk of hip fractures difficult.
What's next?
Discuss the risks of hip fractures with your physician.
Disclaimer:
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided by Medivizor solely at your own risk. Medivizor makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of information provided herein. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician.
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Thank you . I am at risk with finger pricken 5 or 6 times a day . Tried to get freestyle libra no luck . Can't buy it can't get on Prscripen In Scotland it's not good you get it most countries on NHS hope the Hips will last it ain't funny I take insulin 4 times a day regards BA Lamb Reply
I've got one I'm in Scotland, got it through the hospital Reply
Why do you think finger pricks put you at risk? type 2's also do finger pricks. Reply
I’ve had both hips and one shoulder replaced. This is because of osteoporosis. Not sure if that is tied to T1 or not Reply
I have osteoporosis but had also been on high dose steroids which caused some of it but my endocrinologist (I'm Type 1 diabetic) who also treats me for the osteoporosis told me that a risk factor for osteoporosis is also diabetes. I don't know if it is just type 1 or all types of diabetes as we didn't discuss that but type 1 does put you at risk for osteoporosis so take care of those bones (I had a fall and broke a hip at 42 years old) - get as much exercise, weight bearing, try to control weight, get a bone density - see a osteo specialist - in Canada this is treated by endocrinologists. If necessary go on drug therapy to maintain those bones. Diet is also very important as well and if on drug therapy you need to get sufficient calcium and vitamin D from your diet and/or supplements for the medications t be effective. Reply
That would be great Harry Reply
just a comment re Harry. I became a T1D at 52...now 66. turns out my 20 year use of prednisone...sometimes very high and continuous...caused my diabetes. Be very careful with steroids! Reply
Yes predniosne is well known to induce diabetes - I was a type 1 diabetic before ever taking prednisone - was only on it for 3 years due to a rare disease but was on very high doses - certainly made it almost impossible to control my sugars. Steroids have a purpose but you are 100% correct that you need to be extremely careful if taking them, especially for prolonged periods. I haven't had to take them for lengthy times in over 15 years and plan to keep it that way.
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Thank you Harry and all keep well . Reply