Diabetes Affects Muscle Strength, Increases Risk of Falls

Diabetes mellitus may lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures through a broad range of mechanisms, according to a review published online ahead of print August 15 in the World Journal of Diabetes.

“Osteoporosis has become a serious health problem throughout the world which is associated with an increased risk of bone fractures and mortality among the people of middle to old ages,” Bipradas Roy, BSc, explained in his study.

In particular, the author reviews the effect of diabetes on bone and muscles cells, and found that it interferes with signals associated with homeostatis of these cells.

“Some factors such as diabetic neuropathy, reactive oxygen species, Vitamin D, [parathyroid hormone] have their effects on muscle cells,” he concluded. “Diabetes decreases the muscle strength through regulating these factors in various ways and ultimately increases the risk of fall that may cause bone fractures.”

Reference

Roy B. Biomolecular basis of the role of diabetes mellitus in osteoporosis and bone fractures. World J Diabetes. 2013 Aug 15;4(4):101-13.