Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The pathogenesis of bone fragility in diabetes has not been fully characterized. The antifracture efficacy of available therapies remains unproven in patients with diabetes. We aim to collate current evidence of the treatment of diabetic bone fragility, and to provide a rationale for considering optimal therapeutic option in patients with diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: The antifracture efficacy of antiresorptive and anabolic therapies is well established in patients without diabetes. Studies in patients with osteoporosis have shown that anabolic therapies lead to faster and larger benefits to bone mineral density and offer greater protection against fracture than antiresorptive therapies. Available data suggest that antiresorptive and anabolic therapies have similar effect on bone density and fracture risk reduction in patients with and without diabetes. However, the evidence in diabetes is limited to observational studies and post hoc analyses of osteoporosis studies. SUMMARY: There are no specific guidelines for the treatment of bone fragility in patients with diabetes. We offer a rationale for use of anabolic therapies in diabetes which is a low bone formation state, in contrast to postmenopausal osteoporosis that is characterized by increased bone turnover. Prospective studies evaluating the effect of available therapies on bone quality and fracture outcomes in patients with diabetes are needed.