Type 1 Diabetes and Your Bones
Most people think of diabetes complications that deal with cardiovascular problems, nerve damage, kidney problems, and blindness. Did you know that diabetes could also affect your bones? Scientists are not sure why patients with Type 1 diabetes have a lower bone mineral density than people without diabetes. That means that those who suffer from diabetes are at a higher risk of damage to bones such as breaks and fractures. Hip fractures appear in patients with diabetes at twice the rate of people without the disease. If you are a woman, the risk goes even higher. Women are more prone to develop osteoporosis but the risk is even higher if she has diabetes.
Doctors admit they are unsure if the disease itself is responsible for poor bone density. The lack of control over the disease may also be the problem. Researchers are studying a test group of women in what they will hope will help them discover if bone density is changed by controlling diabetes.
They hope to discover if there is a difference in those women who take care of their diabetes and those who are not in control. They will also be testing for levels of Vitamin D, which is also important in building strong bones. They want to find out if diabetes has any control over Vitamin D, or Vitamin D any control over the diabetes.
Studies will also look at another substance named IGF-1 or insulin like growth factor. It has similar qualities to insulin and stimulates cells to grow and divide. IGF-1 has different characteristics that affect different cells throughout the body. It affects cells in organs, skin, nerves, cartilage, and bone. It seems that the more IGF-1 a body has, the higher the bone density is. It was discovered that people with diabetes have low levels of this substance, and lower bone density. Once the researchers know what the connection is between diabetes and bone density, they may be able to come up with prevention or a treatment for bone density problems.
How can you help take care of your bones if you already know you are a diabetic? You can help improve bone density by eating dairy products, preferably those that are low in fat. Cheese products, even ice cream is a good source of calcium and will help strengthen your bones.
Vitamin D is a source you get from the sun. It’s important to get sunshine and the Vitamin D you need from it. If you protect your skin while out in the sun, you can safely get the vitamin you require. Orange juices, and other products are often fortified with Vitamin D.
Take care of your bones, watch out for objects you might trip over, and wear good shoes when walking. If you are a diabetic, it is especially important to take care of your feet and legs. If you are biking, or anything else that may cause a fall, wear the protective coverings that are recommended.