Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that older men with diabetes have increased levels of bone marrow fat, a factor that ultimately impacts their risk of suffering fractures, according to an Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study.
Here are seven things to know:
1. The increase is associated with femoral neck and total hip bone mineral density
2. Jane A. Cauley, PhD, professor at the University of Pittsburgh said: "With the increase of life expectancy and the epidemic of diabetes, understanding the underlying mechanisms that links diabetes with [bone marrow fat] and how it may affect fracture risk is essential."
3. Cauley and her fellow University of Pittsburgh researchers studied 156 older men recruited from the school's site for the osteoporotic fractures in men study.
4. The study identified risk factors associated with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures.
5. All participants underwent bone density scans to determine areal BMD of the lumber spine, bone marrow fat among other qualities.
6. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between bone marrow fat and BMD and bone marrow fat and diabetes.
7. The researchers concluded that men with Type 2 diabetes had higher levels of bone marrow fat than those without diabetes and that their bone marrow fat was inversely correlated with total hip BMD and femoral neck BMD.
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