Osteoporosis Present in More than 1-in-4 People with Diabetes, Study Finds

Osteoporosis may be present in more than 1-in-4 people with diabetes, according to information from a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Using data from 21 studies, results of the study demonstrate a diagnosis of osteoporosis was presented among 27.67% of the more than 11,600 people with type 2 diabetes, with results also shedding light on potential risk factors associated with increased risk among people with type 2 diabetes.

“Worldwide, a high prevalence of [osteoporosis] was found in patients with [type 2 diabetes mellitus]. Therefore, strong measures to prevent and treat osteoporosis in diabetic patients are required,” wrote investigators.

As the obesity epidemic continues to balloon and the population ages at a rapid rate, prevalence of type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis could exacerbate already overburdened health systems. Citing a lack of studies examining the co-occurrence of these conditions, a trio of clinicians sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant literature related to the topic.

To do so, investigators designed their study leveraging data published in the PubMed, Emboss, Medline, CBM, and Cochrane Library from inception until July 2022. For the purpose of analysis, investigators searched specifically for full-text articles detailing observational studies. From their search, a total of 143 articles were assessed for eligibility. From this group, investigators identified 21 studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis.

From the 21 studies included, investigators obtained data related to 11,603 individuals. Investigators pointed out the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with diabetes ranged from 7.29-53.71% among the studies identified for inclusion. Upon analysis, results suggested the pooled prevalence of osteoporosis among people with diabetes was 27.67% (95% CI, 21.37-33.98).

Further analysis demonstrated the prevalence of osteoporosis was greater among older individuals than younger individuals (29.61% [95%CI, 21., but investigators noted no significant relationship between age at testing for osteoporosis and prevalence in diabetes patients was observed (P=.354). Similarly, female participants were at a greater risk compared to male participants (32.96% [95% CI, 25.9-40.02] vs 23.01% [95% CI, 16.09-29.92]), but this did not reach statistical significance (P=.050).

“This finding highlights the case for action to implement the control of [osteoporosis] in diabetic patients. Such efforts include the improvement of access to laboratory testing, training of professionals for [osteoporosis] management, and facilitation of access to comprehensive therapy for [osteoporosis] and [type 2 diabetes mellitus],” investigators wrote.

This study, “Prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‑analysis of observational studies,” was published in BMC Endocrine Disorders.