Obesity, type 2 diabetes and fracture risk: New insights from large-scale data studies
10.3760/cma.j.cn311282-20241212-00587
- VernacularTitle:肥胖、2型糖尿病与骨折风险的关联及健康管理：大数据研究提示新观点
- Author:
Wenjin XIAO
1
;
Cairui LIU
;
Keyu ZHU
;
Peng WEI
;
Jiaxuan GU
;
Pianpian ZHAO
;
Houfeng ZHENG
Author Information
1. 苏州精准健康大数据实验室，苏州大学第二附属医院，苏州 215004
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Obesity;
Diabetes mellitus, type 2;
Fracture risk;
Body mass index;
Bone mineral density
- From:
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
2025;41(10):818-822
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Fragility fractures represent the final clinical manifestation of osteoporosis and are influenced by a range of risk factors. This article discusses the findings from two large-scale studies utilizing biobank and genomic data to investigate the relationships among obesity, type 2 diabetes and fracture risk, and to explore their implications for health management. The studies suggest that general obesity(defined by body mass index, BMI), central obesity(defined by waist circumference), and peripheral obesity exert different effects on fracture risk in older adults. Specifically, individuals who are overweight based on BMI have a lower fracture risk compared to those with normal weight, whereas an increased waist circumference is associated with a higher fracture risk. Moreover, genetic research indicates that genetically determined type 2 diabetes is not causally associated with increased fracture risk. In contrast, observational studies have reported a higher fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, this association becomes non-significant after adjusting for diabetes-related risk factors. These findings highlight that maintaining a moderately elevated BMI may benefit bone formation in the elderly by providing mechanical loading to stimulate bone formation. Additionally, effective management of type 2 diabetes complications is essential for reducing fracture risk, and a certain degree of obesity may confer a protective effect against fractures in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
