5 Health Conditions That May Trigger Osteoporosis and Bone Loss
For many people, osteoporosis and bone loss can be inevitable in aging. However, several health conditions can increase your risk for these conditions even earlier in life. By understanding which illnesses put you at greater risk, you can take proactive steps to maintain healthy bones and reduce your chances of developing serious complications later. This blog will explore five health conditions linked to higher bone loss and how to mitigate the potential damage.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a health condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. It is a silent disease because it often develops for years without obvious symptoms until a bone is fractured.
Bones are made up of living tissue and are constantly broken down and replaced. In osteoporosis, the bones break down faster than they are replaced, which causes them to become less dense, weaker, and more likely to break.
Osteoporosis can affect people of all ages and genders, but it is most common in older adults, especially women. This is because women have less bone tissue than men, losing bone tissue more rapidly after menopause due to the decline in estrogen levels.
Risk factors and prevention of osteoporosis
Risk factors for osteoporosis include a family history of the disease, a low calcium and vitamin D meal plan, lack of physical activity, and excessive drinking. Additionally, certain health conditions elevate your chances of developing osteoporosis.
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis involve lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced meal rich in calcium and vitamin D, and quitting unhealthy habits. Sometimes, prescriptions help slow down bone loss or increase bone density.
Health conditions and diseases that increase Osteoporosis risk
Diabetes
Diabetes is a severe metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. If left unmanaged, it has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis because of poor calcium homeostasis (balanced functioning) in people with diabetes.