INTRODUCTION: Both cross-sectional and prospective studies have shown that diabetes specifically is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of osteoporotic hip and other fractures. This study was undertaken to assess the bone strength and prevalence of fracture in premenopausal women aged 30-50 years with diabetes as they transition through menopause.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study compared the BMD and history of fracture among premenopausal women aged 30-50 years with and without diabetes. Study participants were composed of 33 premenopausal women aged 30-50 years with diabetes and 30 age-matched pre-menopausal women without diabetes, who have under gone BMD assessment as supported by DEXA results. Descriptive characteristics (means + SD) analysis was used to characterize the participant's demographic, lifestyle and metabolic characteristics as well as BMD. T-test was used to compare values (demographic, lifestyle, and metabolic characteristics) between diabetic and non-diabetic participants and to see if differences exist between the BMD of both groups.

RESULTS: Statistical results revealed that non-diabetic subjects showed a higher bone mineral density for all three sites identified as lumbar spine, right and left femoral neck compared with diabetic subjects although no significant difference in the BMD between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects was found. Having diabetes increases a patient's risk of developing an osteoporosis-related fracture due to lowering of bone mineral density.