Bone mass and structure in adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy peers

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