Prevent a New Side Effect of Diabetes: Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures

Two more conditions have been added to the long list of diabetes side effects: weak bones and hip fractures. While clues of a link to bone health have been growing, diabetes as a cause of osteoporosis is something many experts didn't see coming.

People want to get type 2 diabetes about as much as they want to get rear-ended on the road. Unfortunately, it happens. Sure, you might be able to fix most or even all of the damage, but it sure isn't fun. Anyone who has diabetes can tell you they have “quite enough diabetes complications to deal with, thank you.” Blood sugar spikes, weight gain, heart disease, nerve damage, impotence, exhaustion, accelerated aging. The list goes on. (Having trouble managing your diabetes? Meet Liz. She's been there.)

Now, there's virtually no question that diabetes (types 1 and 2) increases the likelihood of major bone fractures, including hip fractures. Translation: If you have diabetes, you may already need to take bisphosphonates or other bone-strengthening drugs. What to do?

1. Be pro-active. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, ask your doc about the new FRAX-diabetes study and whether you need to take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis.
2. If you have type 1 diabetes, get in gear. Not only can you wipe out type 2 symptoms, you can also reverse it altogether. Yes, we said reverse it. (Get personalized advice on controlling your diabetes.) By losing pounds and inches, walking, doing strength training, and trading la vida loca for a healthy lifestyle, you can hit the delete button on diabetes and its problems. (These diabetes recipes will help -- they only taste decadent.) Dramatic evidence: When obese people have bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass), diabetes goes away 90% of the time -- and fast.

Add these strong-bones snacks to your diet: almonds, mozzarella, and more.