Could there be a relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis?
Often times thinking that type 2 diabetes and dairy consumption are related is not at the top of the list for those who have type 2 diabetes but when the question is posed “is osteoporosis linked to diabetes?” the resounding answer is yes. Having type 2 diabetes puts you more at risk for injuries due to falls and making sure that your bones are strong is extremely important. The risk of falling can come from either nerve damage or difficultly seeing as a direct result from type 2 diabetes. These two risk factors can be some of the main causes that people fall down, leading to more broken bones.
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There are a few exceptions the relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis and one has to do with weight. Those who have type 2 diabetes oftentimes are overweight and have an increased bone density due to the extra body weight being able to protect the bones. Although age and bone density can have the reverse effect making the bones more weak and susceptible to break.
Type 2 Diabetes and Dairy: How Dairy Helps Your Bones
Dairy is the main factor that helps your body absorb calcium and build bones to keep them strong. Dairy is a great source of both Vitamin D and Calcium. Dairy also provides magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin B12 to the body. When is osteoporosis linked to diabetes? When the factors are right. When you don’t consume much dairy and have type 2 diabetes your body is missing out on carbohydrates, protein and fat that is helpful with maintain blood sugar levels as well as helping the bones stay strong in case of injury or fall.
How to Choose the Right Type of Dairy
There are so many dairy options in the super market it’s important to make the right choices when you are selecting your dairy product. Type 2 diabetes and dairy can have negative effects on the body when it comes to sugar filled dairy items that can change blood sugar levels. Try selecting dairy products that are from grass fed cows that are low in fat or non-fat and contain omega- 3s. Avoid foods such as cream cheese, butter, cream or whipping cream and sour cream. These foods are not real dairy products and have very little nutritious value, especially for those with diabetes.
When choosing dairy, make sure you are aware of the carb contents because they can affect blood sugar levels. On the other hand, if you have dietary restrictions and cannot eat dairy you can find calcium in foods like broccoli and spinach and vitamin D in fatty fish as well as drink nondairy milk products. The relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis related to what you eat and how you take care of your body through your diet. Here are 5 types of healthy dairy products you can add to your diet:
- Greek Yogurt – check the label and look for Greek yogurt that is high in protein as well as low in fat. Plain is usually the best bet for Greek Yogurt but you may get lucky and find a flavored on low in sugar.
- Soy Milk – Soy milk is a great alternative to drinking milk because it contains many of the same nutrients as dairy and is high in protein, calcium and vitamin D.
- Kefir – if you haven’t heard of kefir yet, it’s a new type of dairy drink that is full of probiotics and is fermented to help insulin levels and gut healthy.
- Cottage Cheese – cottage cheese should be bought as low fat. It is a great source of protein ad can be a substitute for yogurt.
- Cheese – low fat cheese are a great source of calcium and is low in saturated fat.
Before making a change to your diet, speak to a medical professional to find out their opinion on whether osteoporosis is linked to diabetes and how your diet can help you feel better.