CTX-1 and TRACP-5b as biomarkers for osteoporosis risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) demonstrates a higher risk of fractures compared to the healthy population. Therefore, the aim of our study is to assess the risk of osteoporosis in T2DM patients.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in T2DM patients. The serum levels of bone resorption markers- carboxy-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) were compared in the T2DM group (n = 43) and the control group (n = 43) and its association with duration of T2DM, HbA1c level, body mass index (BMI), oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA), and level of functioning was evaluated.

CTX-1 and TRACP-5b were significantly lower in the T2DM group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the bone resorption markers and the duration of T2DM and HbA1c levels. However, a significant positive correlation was found between the level of functioning and TRACP-5b level, but no such correlation was observed in T2DM patients. The linear regression model revealed that none of the OHA affected the levels of CTX-1 and TRACP-5b.

The bone resorption markers are not influenced by the duration of T2DM and HbA1c level. However, they were significantly associated with BMI and the level of functionality. However, further research is needed to strengthen the evidence of the association between T2DM and osteoporosis.