BONE-MINERAL METABOLISM IS NORMAL IN NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

Because of the previous controversial findings in non-insulin-dependen t diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), we measured bone-mineral density (BMD) by two different methods, studied biochemical markers of bone remodellin g and calciotropic hormones (parathyroid hormone and calcitonin) in wo men with NIDDM, and compared the results with age-matched controls. Fo rty-seven women with NIDDM and 252 healthy nondiabetic women as contro ls were recruited for this study. BMD was measured by dual X-ray absor ptiometry (DEXA) and by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Bioche mical markers of bone remodelling included plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP), osteocalcin (BGP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), and 24-h urine calcium, hy droxyproline. Diabetic patients were more obese with a higher body-mas s index (BMI) than controls, Bone mass was normal in NIDDM, both by DE XA and by QCT. Biochemical markers of bone remodelling, PTH and CT wer e also normal. There was no statistical correlation between bone mass and any of the other measurements studied. There is no evidence that N IDDM produces any change in bone metabolism or mass.