Hip fractures and type 2 diabetes in the elderly: Risk factors analysis of the Nedices cohort

Aim

- To analyze the association between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the incidence of hip fractures in the elderly, while also considering the influence of socioeconomic status (SES), and other risk factors (RFs).

Methods

- Data were collected from 5278 participants aged ≥ 65 years. The study included a baseline and a follow-up survey 3 years later. Participants completed a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, blood tests, and physical and cognitive tools. The research was conducted in three Spanish communities with different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Results

- At baseline, there were 874 T2D and 4494 controls. Body mass index (BMI) was slightly higher in individuals with hip fractures. Significant differences were observed in BMI, education level, physical activity, osteoporosis, cataracts, and osteoarthritis. In the follow-up survey, 96 newly, 615 previously T2D, and 2985 controls were compared. Those with hip fractures were associated with lower educational attainment, sedentary life, and higher diagnoses of osteoporosis, cataracts, and osteoarthritis. Charlson index was higher in individuals with hip fractures. A higher proportion of fractures occurred in urban areas. The rate of incidence of T2D between individuals with and without fractures was not different.

Conclusion

- RFs for hip fractures in T2D are similar to those in the general population. Osteoporosis, being female, and advancing age were independent RFs for hip fractures. There was an inverse association between educational level, community allocation, and physical activity which may further contribute to hip fracture risk. These highlights the need for research to better understand the role of T2D and these RFs in hip fracture incidence.