Serum osteocalcin levels are a marker of bone formation. In this study
, bone and mineral metabolism in type I diabetes mellitus (DM) were in
vestigated, and the changes related to diabetic microvascular complica
tions were examined. Serum calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphate (P), oste
ocalcin (OC) and parathyroid hormone (PM) levels were measured in 42 t
ype I diabetic subjects. Diabetics were subdivided into those with or
without complications. Age and sex-matched control subjects were used
for comparisons with the diabetic groups. Serum P and PTH levels were
not different from those of controls. Serum Ca levels were significant
ly increased (p < 0.001) although the values were within the normal ra
nge. CC levels were significantly lower in the complicated (retinopath
y and/or protenuria) diabetic group (p < 0.005). In Type I diabetes me
llitus, the serum OC level is influenced by the presence of microvascu
lar complications.