Diabetes patients demonstrate reduced bone density, as revealed by 3D DEXA scans

The use of advanced imaging techniques to analyze bone structure in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been limited to research centers. However, a new study published in the Archives of Medical Research on August 20, 20xx, explores the potential of 3D DEXA for providing additional insights into bone quality in patients using existing DXA systems.

The study, led by Griselda-Adriana Cruz-Priego, MD from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City, compared 3D DEXA scans among 74 patients with T2D and 51 nondiabetic subjects. The participants, mostly women, had a mean age of 53.9 years old for the healthy controls and 53.6 years old for the diabetes group.

The researchers used a Lunar iDXA densitometer (GE HealthCare) to measure bone mineral density (BMD) at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar. They also analyzed the DEXA images with the 3D-Shaper software.

The findings suggest that diabetes may negatively impact bone quality parameters, particularly in the trabecular and cortical compartments of the proximal femur. The 3D analysis revealed significantly lower volumetric BMD in patients with diabetes, particularly in the trochanteric and neck regions, as well as reduced cortical thickness.

Interestingly, standard BMD measurements did not reveal significant differences between the two groups at key sites. This indicates that conventional methods may be unable to detect the differences found in the 3D analysis.

The model used in the study estimates parameters such as trabecular bone density, cortical bone thickness, and cortical bone density, and has demonstrated a strong correlation with QCT measurements. The authors of the study highlight the potential of 3D DEXA as a valuable tool for analyzing bone quality parameters in patients with T2D.

However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the specific differences in bone structures identified by 3D DEXA scans in patients with T2D. The study recruited a total of 125 participants, with an average disease duration of 11.4 years for the diabetes group.

In conclusion, the new study provides promising insights into the use of 3D DEXA for analyzing bone quality in patients with T2D. The findings suggest that diabetes may have a significant impact on bone quality parameters, particularly in the trabecular and cortical compartments of the proximal femur. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the specific differences in bone structures identified by 3D DEXA scans in patients with T2D.

Diabetes patients demonstrate reduced bone density, as revealed by 3D DEXA scans