Aim: Bone mineral disorders are being increasingly seen among diabetic populations as the frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising at an alarming rate. Our aim is to examine the relationship between glycemic control and bone turnover markers like osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal carboxy telopeptide (CTX), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in patients with type 2 diabetes, and the effects of anti-diabetic regimens on these markers.
Materials and methods: A total of 80 newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients were enrolled into the study and divided into two groups according to glucose regulation (group 1 HbA1c < 7 and group 2 HbA1c ≥ 7). They were also classified into three groups according to antidiabetic regimen. Physical examination findings, demographic characteristics, and anti-diabetic regimens of the patients were recorded. Hemogram and biochemical parameters were studied after 12 hours of fasting. Serum levels OC and CTX were examined by ELISA method. Bone-specific ALP was examined by Chemiluminesence immuneassay (CLIA) method. Bone densitometry was performed on the 2016 model Stratos DR device of DMS brand, and T scores of the patients were recorded. All parameters were repeated at the 6th month of the study.
Results: Serum vitamin D and OC levels of group 1 were higher, while ALP was higher in group 2. However, we failed to determine a significant difference in CTX levels between the groups. OC levels were enhanced only in patients receiving metformin plus vildagliptin therapy. The CTX levels increased in all groups, whereas they decreased in the metformin plus DPP-4 group.
Conclusion: Better glucose regulation is associated with better bone formation, and among three groups metformin plus vildagliptin therapy has a favorable effect on both bone formation and resorption.