Diabetes drug found to be increasing the risk of osteoporosis

Experts are warning users of ‘Avandia,’ a drug taken by Type 2 diabetics (late onset diabetes) may increase their risk of osteoporosis. The drug has already been linked with an increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure, but now researchers in the U.S suggest that it might also be thinning the bones. The drug increases the rate of bone resorption (breakdown) as well as interfering with the cells which build new bone.

Osteoporosis is defined as a loss of bone density, making bones brittle and liable to fracture. Osteoporosis is silent and painless, often sufferers aren’t aware they have it until they get a fracture. Osteopaths see many patients with seemingly muscular pain which turns out to be a bony fracture. Osteopaths and other manipulative therapists need to be aware of osteoporosis and the risk factors associated with osteoporosis since any manual therapy, particularly manipulation, carries a risk of bony fracture particularly.

As we age our bone density gradually decreases making us more susceptible to fractures as we age. This natural bone thinning is more marked in post-menopausal women (due to the rapid decline in the hormone oestrogen and its affects on bone turnover). Generalised osteoporosis is an accelerated form of this normal thinning process. Osteoporosis affects three million Britons, the majority of them women and is thought to be the cause of over 230,000 bone fractures every year.

The report says that there is a necessity for further research to be performed on the safety of this drug and it is advised that patients taking the drug speak to their GP or pharmacist if they have any concerns.

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Tags : manipulation, muscular

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