Evaluation of Osteoporosis and Associated Factors in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: This paper aims to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with T1DM by studying the influence of the main risk factors: BMI, calcium intake, vitamin D, lactose intolerance, and BMD, along with the risk of fractures. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study in 30 patients with T1DM and 30 normal controls. BMD was measured using DEXA, further calculating BMI, daily calcium intake, and vitamin D levels. Osteoporosis and fracture risk were evaluated by statistical analysis using the data obtained. Results: Patients with T1DM had lower BMI (p < 0.001), lower daily calcium intake (p < 0.001), and lower L1-L4 Z scores (p = 0.002) compared to controls. High HbA1c was significantly associated with an increased risk of hip fracture (OR = 1.58, p = 0.022), and low BMI was also a crucial predictor of increased risk of fracture (OR = 1.49, p = 0.012) and osteoporosis (OR = 1.29, p = 0.018). It could be seen that lactose intolerance and calcium deficiency considerably increased the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Conclusion: Our study underlines the pivotal role of BMI, calcium intake, and lactose intolerance in determining osteoporosis and fracture risk in T1DM patients. Our findings emphasize once more how managing these risk factors by specific interventions may play a key role in preventing osteoporosis and fractures.