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.
Osteoporosis is caused when calcium can’t adequately be absorbed or stored in bones, leading to a porosity that makes them much more prone to fractures and breaks. The link between diabetes and osteoporosis appears to be due to abnormally high concentrations of sugar molecules that reduce calcium absorption. In addition, it makes people with diabetes more vulnerable to bone fragility.
To curb this risk, health practitioners urge people with diabetes to pay close attention to their meal plans. Reducing sugar intake and increasing intake of sources high in calcium (dairy products, okra, and beans) can make all the difference for diabetic individuals.

Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease has been linked to a higher incidence of osteoporosis and bone fractures. It is due to the inability of the kidneys to effectively absorb and process critical nutrients, minerals, and vitamins needed for robust bone health.
This serious condition occurs when the kidneys cannot filter waste and water from the body. It can lead to many health issues, including fragile bones. For example, Urea, a toxic compound produced due to kidney function impairment, further disrupts calcium metabolism, leading to calcium deficiency and weakening bones.
In addition, people suffering from chronic kidney disease often experience hormonal imbalances such as elevated parathyroid (a hormone that controls body calcium levels). All these factors can increase the prevalence of osteoporosis in individuals with chronic kidney disease.

Arthritis
Physical activity in arthritis often decreases, leading to weaker bones in turn. Additionally, those with arthritis may also have a deficiency in micronutrients such as vitamin D and calcium which are essential for bone health.
Arthritis can negatively affect bone mineral density, leading to the severe condition of osteoporosis. It causes an increase in inflammation throughout the body and decreases blood circulation to your bones. This results in decreased bone maintenance and can lead to thin, fragile bones often seen with osteoporosis. Even routine activities can cause fractures since the bones have weakened.
Fortunately, you can take steps to slow this process down, even reversing it if caught early enough. For example, you can reduce bone loss, stimulate bone growth and overall bone health through lifestyle changes, increased calcium intake, and ceasing unhealthy habits.

Cancer
Cancer can weaken bones by disrupting hormones (parathyroid and calcitriol) and trimming down muscle mass and bone tissue. The side effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and prescriptions that prevent nausea may also lead to weak bones. Unwarranted weight loss due to radiation treatments for cancer can also cause osteoporosis. These treatments can significantly impact skeletal health and directly increase the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.
Therefore, people with either early stages of cancer face a high risk of developing osteoporosis. If not managed promptly, it can lead to severe consequences like fractures, hospitalization, and morbidity.

Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease, a digestive condition, increases the risk of osteoporosis because those suffering from it tend to be malnourished and at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. This can result in lower levels of calcium absorption by the body, a necessary mineral for bone health.
Therefore, it is vital for those living with Crohn’s Disease to ensure their nutrition is adequate and must speak with their healthcare provider about supplements to reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis.

Conclusion
Bone fragility and loss can drastically decrease the quality of life. Thus, knowing the conditions that increase risk is essential. Before experiencing major fractures or becoming symptomatic, it is best to contact your doctor regarding preventative measures. This may include lifestyle modifications and potential prescriptions or supplements to reduce risk factors and protect against further bone damage. Taking early initiative can provide solid bones and preserve your overall health for years.
Osteoporosis prevention is essential for protecting bones long-term. However, if the condition has already been diagnosed, you must seek appropriate treatment immediately.