Diabetes & Bone Health
Answers to common questions about diabetes & bone health.
Questions on this page
Can diabetes affect bones?
Yes.
Diabetes can affect bone quality and fracture risk, even when bone mineral density does not appear severely reduced.
Does diabetes cause osteoporosis?
Diabetes and osteoporosis are different conditions, but diabetes can increase fracture risk.
Can people with diabetes have fractures despite a normal DEXA scan?
Yes.
Bone strength depends on more than bone mineral density alone.
How can I protect my bones?
Important measures include:
- Adequate calcium intake
- Appropriate vitamin D status
- Resistance and weight-bearing exercise
- Fall prevention
- Good diabetes management
- Avoiding tobacco
- Limiting excessive alcohol