Serum lipids and bone mineral density in Hispanics with type-2 diabetes

Objective: Individuals with diabetes face increased risk of fractures and related bone disorders. In this study we examined bone mineral density (BMD) in Hispanics with type-2 diabetes focusing on the potential effect of serum lipids. High lipid levels have been reported to interfere with osteoblast activity. Research methods: Thirty nine Hispanic subjects with type-2 diabetes (age=53.9 ± 11.2y, BMI=31.67 ± 6.73, M=16 F=23) were enrolled from surrounding San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The age range for the females was 29 to 75 so included both pre- and post-menopausal women. Baseline BMD measurements of participants were obtained using the Fan Beam Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) Discovery A, software V 12.6. Correlation analyses were used to evaluate relationships between selected serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) and body composition values. Results: Serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was positively associated with BMD at lumbar spine L2 (ρ=0.32, p=0.05). No significant associations were observed between BMD at the lumbar spine and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides or with total cholesterol. Conclusion: These results suggest a significant positive association between bone mineral density and HDLcholesterol in Hispanics with type-2 diabetes independent of: age, gender, insulin and HbA1c. Prospective studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship between HDL cholesterol and BMD measurements