A large systematic review and meta-analysis examined fracture risk in over 13 million individuals, including more than 2.6 million people with Type 2 Diabetes. The researchers compared these patients to those without the condition to see how diabetes affected bone safety.
The study found that people with Type 2 Diabetes had a 25 percent higher overall risk of fractures compared to those without the disease. This increased risk was seen for fractures in the arms, legs, hips, and other specific bone sites. Additionally, the data showed that women with Type 2 Diabetes faced a significantly higher fracture risk than men.
Because the studies included in this analysis varied in how they measured risk, experts advise caution when interpreting these results. While the link between diabetes and fractures is clear, the differences in study methods mean that targeted prevention strategies are needed. This research highlights the importance of assessing fracture risk specifically for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.