| Objective To study the changes of bone mineral density (BMD) and its influential factors in patients with type 2 diabetes in Gansu province. Methods BMD of the left forearm and right heel was measured in 206 patients with type 2 diabetes (diabetic group) and 2433 non-diabetic subjects (control group) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The t-test was performed on the changes in BMD in the two groups. Age, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, blood uric acid, glycosylated hemoglobin, vitamin D, blood calcium, and blood phosphorus were collected and analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the main risk factors. Results In the diabetic group, 83 cases (40.29%) were diagnosed as osteoporosis in the left forearm and 74 cases (35.92%) in the right heel. In the control group, 454 cases (18.66%) were diagnosed as osteoporosis in the left forearm and 529 cases (21.74%) in the right heel. The measured values of BMD in the left forearm and right heel of the diabetic group were both significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The change of left forearm BMD in patients with type 2 diabetes was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, serum phosphorus, age, but was positively correlated with serum uric acid and vitamin D. The change of right heel BMD was negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein, serum phosphorus, age, but was positively correlated with blood uric acid. Conclusion The left forearm BMD reduces in patients with type 2 diabetes. Many influential factors exist. If the above-mentioned influential factors that implement in the clinical treatment can be actively intervened, the occurrence of osteoporosis may reduce and the health may maintain in patients with type 2 diabetes. |