New Study Results – A Link Between Prediabetes and Fractures in Midlife Women?
Fractures and diabetic bone disease are well-known complications of diabetes. However, the association between prediabetes and fractures remains uncertain.
Prediabetes is characterized by impaired glucose regulation and is considered a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have indicated that prediabetes may negatively impact bone health. Understanding the relationship between prediabetes and fractures is crucial for identifying risk factors and potential preventive measures.
In a cohort study conducted among midlife women, researchers explored the association between prediabetes and fracture risk during and after the menopause transition. This blog post examines the key findings and implications of the study.
Study Details:
The study analyzed data collected between 1996 and 2018 from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a longitudinal study of midlife women in the United States.
The cohort consisted of 1690 women who were in premenopause or early perimenopause at study inception, had not been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and were not taking bone-beneficial medications.
The participants were followed for an average of 12 years. The primary exposure was the presence of prediabetes at visits before the menopause transition, measured as a proportion ranging from 0 (no prediabetes) to 1 (prediabetes at all visits).
The main outcome was the time to the first fracture after the start of the menopause transition.
Full Study and Article
Interesting Key Findings:
The results showed a statistically significant association between prediabetes and fracture risk among midlife women.
Women who had prediabetes at all pre-menopause transition visits had a 120% greater hazard for fractures during and after menopause compared to those without prediabetes. This association remained significant even after adjusting for other factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), cigarette use, previous fractures, race/ethnicity, study site, and exposure to bone-detrimental medications.
Notably, the association between prediabetes and fractures was independent of bone mineral density (BMD) at the start of the menopause transition.
Implications:
The findings of this study suggest that prediabetes may be a risk factor for future fractures among midlife women.
While prediabetes is commonly recognized as a precursor to type 2 diabetes, its clinical significance and association with end-organ complications have been a subject of debate.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that prediabetes has wider implications for health, including bone health. Identifying prediabetes as a potential risk factor for fractures highlights the need for further research to investigate whether treating prediabetes can reduce fracture risk.
Conclusion:
Prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of fractures among midlife women, independent of bone mineral density.
These findings emphasize the importance of early identification and intervention for prediabetes, not only to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes but also to mitigate the risk of fractures.
Healthcare professionals should consider prediabetes as a potential risk factor for fractures when evaluating the overall health of midlife women.
Hopefully, future research will focus on determining the most effective interventions and treatments for prediabetes to reduce fracture risk and improve long-term health outcomes.
If you are showing any signs and symptoms of prediabetes, contact our clinic for an evaluation with one of our providers so we can assist you in your wellness journey. We offer both telehealth and in-person visits. Check our office to see if we are listed as a licensed provider for your State if you live outside of Utah.
