Abstract: Objective To explore the risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with metabolic syndrome in old people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods A total of 301 old people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes aged more than 60 years-old were included in the study. Levels of hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), vitamin D, blood lipid, serum C-reactive protein (CRP)and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Furthermore, bone mineral density (BMD), skeletal muscle mass and grip strength were assessed. The risk factors for osteoporosis were evaluated. Results Compared with people without osteoporosis, people with osteoporosis had lower levels of BMI, vitamin D, skeletal muscle mass index and grip strength (P < 0.05). In a multiple stepwise Logistic analysis, being female and lower grip strength were associated increased risk of osteoporosis (OR=2.85, P < 0.001; OR=2.34, P < 0.001, respectively), while higher BMI was associated with decreased risk of osteoporosis (OR=0.84, P < 0.001).Conclusion Being female and lower grip strength were independent risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with metabolic syndrome in old people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, while higher BMI was a protective factor.

Key words: type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, handgrip strength, bone mineral density, osteoporosis