Bone mass and bone density in maturity-type diabetics measured by the 125I photon-absorption technique.

Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone density (BMC/W) of the radius were measured in 138 maturity-type diabetics with the Norland-Cameron bone mineral analyzer and compared with the results of age- and sex-matched controls. In some age groups the mean cortical and trabecular bone mass and density seemed to be significantly higher among diabetic patients, especially in those treated with oral antidiabetic agents. Individual analysis reveals the existence of two distinct diabetic populations--a small group with a tendency to bone loss and a large group with bone gain--when compared with nondiabetic subjects. The higher body weight in the second group can be the origin of this difference. A survey of the already published papers on this subject shows that comparison of the results is impossible because of the heterogeneity in the methodology of material and methods used by the different authors.