[Mineral content of bone in long-standing diabetes: densitometry of "diabetic osteopathy" (author's transl)].

Using 125I-photon absorption, skeletal mineral content was measured in 57 diabetics requiring insulin. Average age was 33 years, mean duration of diabetes 19 years. Abnormally reduced mineral content was detected in ten of 21 males and 11 of 36 women. This finding is interpreted as being a late complication of diabetes. Pathological fractures were not seen and there were very few complaints referable to the skeletal system.