Effect of exercise on bone mineral metabolism in diabetes.

The authors attempt to assess the relationship between exercise, diabetes, and bone metabolism. An animal model system was developed to study the relationship. Animals given streptozotocin to induce a type I diabetic state show elevated plasma glucose and triglyceride levels and a decrease in body weight. Analysis of femurs revealed alterations in copper, phosphorus, and zinc levels in animals with diabetes compared with controls. Mineral analysis of femurs from diabetic animals placed on an exercise regimen revealed values closer to control levels.