Understanding Bone Health
Answers to common questions about understanding bone health.
Questions on this page
Why are bones important?
Bones provide support, protect organs, help us move and store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Can bones become weak without symptoms?
Yes. Osteoporosis is often silent until a fracture occurs.
What makes bones weak?
Bone loss can be related to:
- Increasing age
- Menopause
- Family history
- Low body weight
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Inadequate calcium intake
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol
- Long-term steroid treatment
- Thyroid and parathyroid disorders
- Kidney and other chronic diseases
Can diabetes affect bones?
Yes. Diabetes can increase fracture risk even when bone density does not appear severely reduced.