If you have type 1 diabetes, it's important that you monitor and manage your blood sugar levels each day to protect your health, including the health of your bones. While it's not exactly understood why, diabetes can potentially cause issues with your bones, including osteoporosis and bone fractures. Knowing how high blood sugar affects your bones allows you protect them better.

What's the Connection Between Diabetes and Your Bones?

Insulin doesn't just make and regulate glucose. The hormone may play an important role in bone growth as well. However, type 1 diabetes develops when your pancreas can't make enough or any insulin to regulate your blood sugar. Most people develop type 1 diabetes in their youth, which is the time bones grow the most. Because of your poor insulin production as a child and adult, you may more at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures in the future.

Osteoporosis occurs when your bones lose mass and strength. The condition affects multiple body locations, particularly your hips and spine. People with osteoporosis can experience bone fractures easily if they fall or trip. If you tend to become dizzy or lightheaded from your high blood sugar, you be at risk for falls.

Diabetes can cause a wide range of vision problems, including cataracts and glaucoma. These types of eye problems can potentially interfere with your ability to see things clearly and at different angles and distances. For example, if you misjudge the distance of an object on the floor, you might trip on it and fall, thus placing your bones at risk for fractures. 

Take steps now to protect your bones and keep your diabetes under control. 

How Can You Avoid Problems With Your Bones?

If your blood sugar rises regularly, even after you take your diabetes medication, speak to your primary doctor right away. Your medications may not be the proper strength or type for your condition. In addition, maintain a proper diet by eating healthy vegetables and protein each meal. Regulate your consumption of fruit that contains a high concentration of sugar, including cherries and grapes. Even natural sugar can potentially increase the glucose levels in your blood if consumed too much.

If you do fall, schedule an appointment with an orthopedist right away. It's essential that you locate any bone fractures, bruises, or other injuries as soon as you possibly can. Diabetics can develop severe infections if they experience wounds. A bone doctor can examine you with X-rays and other diagnostic tools to see if your bones are okay. Additionally, the bone scans may reveal signs of osteoporosis. Treating osteoporosis early can help reduce its negative effects on your bones. 

To learn more about diabetes' effects on your bones, speak to an orthopedist today or contact a clinic like Ultimate Sports to learn more.