[Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem. On the basis of the recommendations of the latest vitamin D consensus conference, we would like to draw attention to the significance of prevention as well as the recognition and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. We mention that some antipo-rotics designated “prefix” or “combi” are available that may ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, thus improving patient’s adherence.]

[AIMS - Because of contradictory data in literature our aim was to study bone metabolic disturbances and their correlates with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in type 1 diabetic patients (T1DM). Since quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS) measures bone qualities different from BMD, and it has only been scarcely investigated in T1DM, our aim was to describe covariates of QUS parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS - Osteodensitometry was performed (lumbal spine, femur neck - DEXA; calcaneal ultrasound) on 115 T1DM patients (34 male, 81 female; mean age: 41.4±11 [± SD] yrs; BMI: 23.9±3.0 kg/m2; diabetes duration: 21.6±11.7 yrs; HbA1c: 8.1±1.3%). In addition anthropometric, blood pressure and laboratory parameters (HbA1c, lipids, renal function, fibrinogen, homocystein, PTH, TSH, β-CrossLaps, vitamine D3, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin) were measured, data using a questionnaire were collected. RESULTS - The prevalence of osteoporosis was 9/112 (8%). A further 21/62 patients with osteopenia were found. Disturbances of bone metabolism have been more frequently proven on lumbal spine (p<0.001). Using multiple linear regression modelling, the independent covariates of osteopathy were systolic blood pressure, body weight, β-CrossLaps and cystatin C. The average broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was 114.2±14.9 in males vs. 108.4±16.3 dB/MHz in females (p=0.07), the mean speed of sound (SOS) 1552±26 in males vs. 1559±32 m/s in females (p=0.32). SOS values in addition to bone density were associated with fracture risk. The independent covariates of BUA were body weight and height (R=0.473, p<0.001), and of SOS only fibrinogen (R=0.305, p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS - According to our results the prevalence of osteoporosis in acceptable controlled T1DM patients is relatively low. The more common metabolic calcipenic osteopathy show a correlation with body weight, markers of bone resorption and diabetic complications/co-morbidities (nephropathy, hypertension) being therefore not only an a priori consequence but also a complication of diabetes mellitus. Our data provide baseline data of QUS in type 1 diabetic patients. Because of the frequency of lower bone mineral content and their known high fracture risk bone metabolism screening of T1DM patients has to be considered.]

[INTRODUCTION - Data on bone mineral density (BMD) in diabetes mellitus are contradictory in the literature. Early studies described a decreased bone mineral density in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but recent studies report no osteopenia in T1DM.The BMD may depend on the quality of treatment for diabetes mellitus and on the presence of chronic complications. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the BMD is not decreased, occasionally it can even be increased. PATIENTS AND METHODS - Bone mineral density was measured in 122 regularly controlled diabetic patients (T1DM: n=73, mean age: 43.6±11.1 years,T2DM: n=49, mean age: 61.8±9.8 years) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and at the femur. Results were compared to those of 40 metabolically healthy control persons with a mean age of 47.5±11.9 years.The patients’ carbohydrate metabolism was assessed by the average HbA1c level of the last three years.These values were 7.9±1.4 % in T1DM, and 7.5±1.7 % in T2DM. BMDs were classified based on the T-score and Z-score using the WHO criteria. RESULTS - There was no significant difference in T1DM or in T2DM compared to the reference group in the prevalence of either osteoporosis or of osteoporosis and osteopenia combined. CONCLUSION - BMD was not found to be decreased in patients with well-controlled metabolism compared to healthy controls.]

[Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem. On the basis of the recommendations of the latest vitamin D consensus conference, we would like to draw attention to the significance of prevention as well as the recognition and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. We mention that some antiporotics designated “prefix” or “combi” are available that may ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, thus improving patient’s adherence.]

[An increasing number of studies suggests that the effects of vitamin D is not limited to the regulation of calcium homeostasis, but it is also involved in several other physiologic processes. Vitamin D receptors are present on the surface and in the nucleus of most cells. Vitamin D as a steroid hormone has genomic and non-genomic effects. Vitamin D deficiency is an important problem worldwide, and so is in Hungary. Vitamin D promotes bone formation and mineralization and decreases the rate of bone absorption. Its extraskeletal effects include antitumour, muscle strength increasing, antiinflammatory, blood pressure lowering and insulin secretion increasing activites.]