Your bones may hold key to better blood sugar control

It’s no secret that diabetes can lead to brittle bones. But that better bone health can ensure improved blood sugar control is increasingly becoming evident in clinical settings. For decades, bones were seen only as a structural support system. “However, in recent years, medical science has revealed how bones play an active role in regulating metabolism and blood sugar levels,” says senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mir Jawad Zar Khan, MD and chairman at Germanten Hospitals, Hyderabad.
One of Dr Khan’s patients, a 58-year-old male with long-standing Type 2 diabetes, had persistently high fasting blood sugar levels (180-200 mg/dL) despite regular medication. He was also found to have early osteoporosis. “We focused on improving bone metabolism through vitamin D and calcium supplements, improved nutrition, and regular weight-bearing exercise along with standard diabetes management. As his vitamin D levels and bone health improved, his fasting sugar dropped to 120-130 mg/dL over the next few months,” recalls Dr Khan.