The Effects of Diabetes and Obesity on the Skeleton

Abstract

• Osteoporosis is a disorder of compromised bone strength that increases fracture risk. It is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions affecting 200 million women worldwide.• Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity have emerged as newly recognized risk factors for osteoporosis.• Mechanisms for bone loss in T2D include reduced bone formation, abnormal skeletal microstructure, and abnormal bone material properties. • Many medications for the treatment of osteoporosis have shown effi cacy in preserving or improving the bone health of those with T2D.• Mechanisms for increased fracture risk in obesity include altered distribution of fat depots in the body, some locations of which can be associated with reduced bone quality.