Bone mineral density evaluation of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

[Purpose] Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulinsecretion, insulin action, or both. A consequence of this is chronic hyperglycemia withdisturbances in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. We investigated whether there isany difference among DM patients and a control group in terms of lumbar and femur BMD(bone mineral density), and standard deviation scores (Z score and T score). [Subjects andMethods] This randomized, prospective, controlled, single-blind study was conducted in thePhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department Faculty of Medicine, Bezm-i Alem VakıfUniversity. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the patient groups.Healthy individuals were included in the control group. [Results] A total of 126 patientscompleted the study (63 in the study group, 63 in the control group). There was nosignificant difference in the results of the laboratory examinations of the cases. Thebone mineral densities of the cases were found to be significantly low in terms of thelumbar (L1–4) T scores in the type 2 diabetes group. [Conclusion] Although osteoporosis isone of the potential complications of type 1 diabetes, its effect on bone mineral densityin type 2 DM is controversial. In different studies, the bone mineral density values haveincreased, decreased or remained normal. With the exception of the lumbar (L1–4) T score,similar results were obtained in this study.Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Osteoporosis, Bone mineral density