Do diabetic patients' bones also become weak? What are the symptoms? Learn from your doctor
Diabetes is a disease that affects almost every organ in the body, but does it also affect bones? Professor Dr. Nikhil Tandon, HOD of the Department of Endocrinology at AIIMS Delhi, has addressed this issue.
If you have diabetes and it's not under control, it affects your entire body. Diabetes seriously impacts the kidneys, heart, and eyes, but did you know it can also harm bone health?
Experts say that having diabetes increases your risk of bone and joint diseases. In some cases, diabetes can also lead to neuropathic arthropathy, a bone disease.
Professor Dr. Nikhil Tandon, HOD of the Department of Endocrinology in Delhi, explains that some diabetic patients experience Charcot joint problems.
Charcot (shahr-koh) joint, also known as neuropathic arthropathy, occurs when a problem in the nervous system causes joint damage. It is a common complication of diabetes that affects the joints, causing numbness and tingling in the joints. Diabetics should consult a doctor if they experience these symptoms.
According to Dr. Nikhil, not every diabetic patient develops this disease, but those whose sugar levels are not under control are at risk. Those over the age of 45 are especially at risk.
Why does diabetes weaken bones?
Dr. Nikhil Tandon says that high blood sugar levels weaken osteoblast cells. These are the cells that form new bone. High glucose reduces their activity, slowing bone formation.
This weakens bones. People who have high blood sugar levels for a long time are also at risk of chronic inflammation and nerve damage.
What symptoms to look out for
- Recurrent pain from minor injuries
- fracture of the lung
- slow healing of the injury
- persistent joint pain
- How to prevent this disease
- Exercise daily
- Take vitamin D and calcium supplements as per your doctor's advice.
- Stay away from smoking and alcohol
- Take care of your diet