Efficacy of osteoporosis medications in patients with type 2 diabetes

Purpose of the Review The purpose of the review is to summarise the current scientific evidence on the efficacy of osteoporosis medications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Recent Findings Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing global epidemic. The highest prevalence is observed in the elderly, the same population affected by osteoporosis. Despite normal or even increased bone mineral density and low bone turnover, T2D is associated with an increased risk of fractures in most skeletal sites. These findings raised concerns over the efficacy of anti-osteoporosis drugs in this population. There is no randomised controlled trial designed specifically for people with T2D. However, observational studies and post-hoc analyses of randomised controlled trials have provided valuable insights into the effects of various anti-osteoporosis treatments in this population. Overall, most anti-osteoporosis drugs seem to have similar efficacy and safety profiles for people with and without type 2 diabetes. However, continued research and long-term safety data are needed to optimise treatment strategies and improve bone health outcomes in this population.

Summary The current evidence suggests that most anti-osteoporosis drugs exhibit comparable efficacy in people with and without T2D.