Anti-Diabetic Medications and Osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus are chronic diseases that are rapidly increasing in our aging society.Several studies have reported that the incidence of osteoporosis and fractures is increased in diabeticpatients. Although diabetes itself can affect bone density, anti-diabetic medications can also cause changesin bone mineral density, leading to osteoporosis. It is well known that thiazolidinedione increases the riskof fracture. In comparison, metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium glucose cotransporter2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have no significant effect on bone mineraldensity or fracture risk. Insulin and sulfonylureas should be used cautiously because of the risk of fallsassociated with hypoglycemia.