Bone mass in obese, goldthioglucose-treated, hyperglycaemic mice.

In contrast to insulin-dependent diabetics, bone mass in obese non-insulin dependent diabetics seems to be greater than in normal subjects. Hyperglycaemic, obese goldthioglucose mice were studied as a model for this last type of diabetes. A significantly greater cortical bone mass (cortical surface: 1.32 mm2 vs 1.15 mm2 for controls, p less than 0.01) with enhanced bone apposition was found together with a significantly greater trabecular bone mass (trabecular surface 0.17 mm2 vs 0.13 mm2, p = 0.05) increasing bone solidity. The pathogenesis is unclear but hyperinsulinism and overnutrition may be contributory factors.