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Type 1 with Osteoporosis

oldgreymare

oldgreymare

Well-Known Member
Messages
589
Location
UK and SE Asia
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
Commuting, overcrowded spaces, especially after the arrival of covid-19...
What are your experiences with osteoporosis treatment and Type 1? My osteopenia is now considered osteoporosis at least for my hips. Quite aggressive deterioration over past 3 years. :( What treatment have you tried?
 
Hi oldgreymare

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a couple of years ago. They sent me for a routine DEXA scan when they found out I had coeliac disease, as it's a common side effect. I was put on Calichew-D3 Forte tablets (2 a day) and I had my 2-year follow up scan a few weeks ago which showed improvement in bone density, so I guess the gluten-free diet has stopped the decline and the calcium has helped the improvement. Are you taking any treatment?
 
I have had 2 bone scans, one 15 years ago, and one 4 years ago which showed that my bone density had reduced and was at the lower end of normal.
My Gp put me on Adcal D3 but I found it difficult to take as I hate the taste. When I went back to GP she took me off it as she said research had shown that there was a connection between taking calcium and heart disease.
My diabetes consultant also mentioned the same thing.

I am 57 and have been type 1 for 40 years. It worries me slightly about getting osteoporosis as it runs in my family. I do take vitamin D in the winter and try to eat plenty of foods containing calcium.
 
hello I have type for 24 years,ib November 2012 I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease so I had a bone density xray in January 2013,which showed Osteoporosis. I take 2 Calceos tablets per day and an once a week tablet called Alendronic, which is called ' the standing up pill; only been taking these for 7 months, so in the early stages at the mo.

Best wishes RRB :)
 
I've never been very good with calcium supplements - not good swallowing large chalky pills especially taking several times a day. I did have my Vit D levels checked about 18 months ago - proved to be very low, so now take generic vit D3 capsules 5,000-6,000 IU per day. This may seem high, but dropping to say 2,000 IU per day my levels will start to fall off. Had my first DEXA scan at a postmenopausal 51 yrs - osteopenia diagnosed (Also same time I was diagnosed Type 1). Since then more DEXA scans but on different machines so result not strictly comparable. But general trend downhill. Latest scan last week showing osteoporosis of my femur neck - and I'm the age my mother was when she slipped in a shopping mall and fractured her femur. :(

I had calcium bone markers checked - bone creation still stronger than bone reabsorption and turnover level appears normal. But I've agreed to try the biphosphonate, zolendric acid (same class as alendronic acid - RRB have you had any side effects?) to slow reabsorption. Zolendric acid can be taken once a year by IV drip(!) Just hoping not too many side effects as no going back once administered. In addition to taking D3 I've been recommended vit K2 as well.

My orthopaedic specialist is more concerned with my very high coffee (caffeine) habit than consistent daily wine intake - but possibly both contributing to current poor bone state by interfering with calcium uptake. I'm doing some high impact weight training with a good trainer, but will need to increase...not a naturally active individual! Interesting to hear connection to coeliac disease... I've gone lowish carb and now pretty much gluten free. I don't believe I'm gluten intolerant, however my brother is - not formally diagnosed as coeliac but likely.

Thanks all for input! Now just to need to wait 12 months to see if any improvement. :|
 
Hi oldgreymare I have only been taking the Alendronic for about 6 or 7 months so I haven't noticed anything as yet, even though I haven't taken it this week, as its been an upside down few days. Not sure of the very long term affect though(years) but I will find out more about it in later on.

Take care with best wishes RRB
 
Well have continued with zolendric treatment by IV today. So far no side effects (fever, muscle pain), hope this stays true over next couple days. That said, my dentist was immediately unhappy with my choice of biphosphonate treatment. :? Well lets see how my bone markers respond - next check up at 6 & 12 months. :eh:
 
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