Bone mass and structure in adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy peers.
CONCLUSIONS
We measured bone mass and structure using pQCT and DXA in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and compared the results with those of healthy peers. Our results showed that diabetes is associated with reduced bone mass and smaller bones. The diabetes-associated deficits seemed to concern male adolescents more than females.


BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare bone mass and structure between adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their healthy peers.


METHODS
Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at radius and tibia, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine and proximal femur were performed for 48 adolescents, 26 girls and 22 boys, with type 1 diabetes, and for healthy peers matched for age, sex, body height and weight, and pubertal maturity.


RESULTS
Diabetes was associated with reduced bone mineral content (BMC) and smaller bone cross-sectional size. Diabetic boys seemed to be more affected than diabetic girls. Among the boys, the mean deficit in BMC of all measured skeletal sites was more than 10%, while among the girls it was less than 5%.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, type 1 diabetes is associated with reduced BMC and appears to affect bone cross-sectional size and cortical rigidity. The diabetes-related skeletal deficits seemed to concern male adolescents more than females. Whether diabetes-related deficits would contribute to an increased risk of fractures in adulthood or later in life remains to be confirmed.
Saha
M T
MT
Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland. marja-terttu.saha@uta.fi
Sievänen
H
H
Salo
M K
MK
Tulokas
S
S
Saha
H H
HH
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D015519:Bone Density; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011884:Radius / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012737:Sex Factors; D013977:Tibia / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed