PhD Defence Veerle van Hulten

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes, Fracture risk, Bone structure 
 

"Bone strength, microarchitecture, and fracture risk in Type 2 Diabetes"

Type 2 diabetes is a form of diabetes where people no longer respond adequately to the hormone insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. This can cause damage in various parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys, nerves in the feet, as well as the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, previous research has indicated that people with Type 2 Diabetes may also have a higher risk of bone fractures. 

The aim of this thesis was to investigate the relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and the risk of bone fractures. The studies showed that people with well-controlled diabetes and a short disease duration do not have an increased risk of bone fractures. However, with a longer duration of diabetes, very strict blood sugar control, or complications, the risk of bone fractures increases. This was supported by research into bone structure in Type 2 Diabetes. The structure and strength of the bones were not worse in Type 2 Diabetes, although the bone surface area was smaller. 

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