LOW BONE MINERAL DENSITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING AND BODY MASS INDEX.

Aims: To explore the prevalence of osteoporosis in type 2 diabetic elder males and the risk factors of low bone mineral density in Tibet. Methods:147 Chinese Tibetan older males with type 2 diabetes were recruited from the department of endocrinology of People?s Hospital Tibet Autonomous Region. Multiple sites of bone mineral density were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Among type 2 diabetic males aged 50 years or older who dwelled in high altitude, the percentage of patients with osteoporosis was 12.2%. Body mass index and Smoking were independently associated with BMD T-scores of multiple skeleton sites; Uric acid level was independently associated with T-scores of lumbar spine and total hip. Discussion: The bone metabolisms should be further investigated in people who dwelled in high altitude since there are big differences of life style and natural environment existed in high landers from people at sea-level in China. Conclusions: Among type 2 diabetic males aged 50 years or older who dwelled in high altitude, 12.2% patients have osteoporosis. Body mass index and smoking were predictive risk factors for bone mass loss in all skeleton sites. While uric acid level was independently associated with bone mass loss of spine and hip.