Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: In the early manifestation of type 1 diabetes (T1D) the process of bone mineralization is disrupted and the peak of bone mass is initially lower than in healthy individuals. In addition to low mineralization T1D may be a risk factor for a smaller bone size including the hip axis length (HAL). The aim of this study is to assess the HAL in women with T1D.

Materials and methods: We examined 68 T1D women, age: 31(25–37.6)yrs., duration of diabetes: 11(7–17)yrs., HbA1c: 8.5(6.9–10.4)%, BMI: 23.4(22.3–25.8 kg/m²). The control group consisted of 53 healthy age- and BMI-matched females. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry. Hip axis length (HAL) was determined using the Advanced Hip Analysis program.

Results: BMD (Z-score) of the femoral neck in the group T1D women was significantly lower (T1D: −0.5 ((−1.1)−0.2) vs. controls: 0.1 ((−0.6)−0.7), P=0.006 respectively) compared to control group. Previous low-energy fractures occurred more frequently in female with T1D (T1D: n=10 (14.7%) vs. controls: n=2 (3.9%), F=0.033, P=0.042 respectively). In women with T1D HAL was statistically shorter than in the control group (T1D: 104.8(100–109.8) vs. controls: 107.3(103.8–110.1), P=0.018 right femur; T1D: 106(100.2–110.2) vs. controls: 107.5(105.2–110.8), P=0.035 left femur respectively).

Conclusions: In women with T1D HAL was statistically shorter than in the control group. The results of our own research potentially indicate the structural changes of the hip geometry in women with T1D.