GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Protect Elderly Diabetes Patients from Osteoporosis
A recent retrospective study published in the Frontiers in Endocrinology suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis in elderly diabetic patients.
Type 2 diabetes has long been recognized as a hidden contributor to bone weakening, often leading to higher fracture rates and poor outcomes.
However, this new research uncovered promising data that GLP-1 RAs may offer protection against bone loss, which is an effect beyond their primary glucose-lowering benefit.
The study analyzed electronic medical records of 1,845 elderly T2DM patients treated at Tangdu Hospital from 2012 to 2023.
The participants included had no history of osteoporosis at the start and were seen at least twice annually.
Author's summary: GLP-1 RAs may reduce osteoporosis risk.