These teens more likely to have weak bones later in life

By Stephen Beech

Teenagers who are overweight or have diabetes are more likely to have weak bones later in life, according to new research.

They are at much higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis when they are older, say scientists.

The American study shows that obesity and type 2 diabetes in adolescence can interfere with bone development, potentially increasing the risk of brittle bones in later life.

Lead researcher Dr. Fida Bacha says the teenage years are the "most critical" for building lifelong bone strength.

Dr. Bacha, of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, said: “While adults with type 2 diabetes are known to have increased risk of fractures, this has not been investigated in youth with type 2 diabetes.

“We wanted to understand how childhood obesity and early type 2 diabetes affect bone health as children grow.”

The research team followed 48 teenagers for a year, including 26 girls, with an average age of 15.5.

Of the participants, 27% were normal weight, 31% were classified overweight with normal blood sugar, and 42% were overweight with impaired blood sugar control, including prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Researchers measured the teens’ body fat, fitness, blood sugar and insulin levels.

Their bone structure and strength in the lower leg and forearm was measured using high-resolution imaging.

The study found that obese teens, and especially those with type 2 diabetes, showed less improvement in bone strength and quality over time compared to their peers who were of normal weight.

It was true for both the leg and arm bones.

The researchers said that higher insulin levels - a sign of insulin resistance - seemed to contribute to less increase in bone strength.

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Bacha added: “Obesity and early type 2 diabetes in adolescence don’t just affect weight or blood sugar -they can quietly interfere with bone development during the most critical years for building lifelong bone strength.

“That means teens with these health issues may face a greater risk of fractures and osteoporosis as they get older.”

The findings were presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California.