Bone and the regulation of glucose metabolism

Introduction: Bone is a regulator of numerous metabolic processes that are independent of mineral metabolism [1]. The relationship between osteocalcin (OC), a bone-specific protein, and metabolic parameters, as glycaemia, insulin secretion and β-cell proliferation have been studied and implied the potential impact of the skeleton on energy regulation and glucose metabolism. Also, intermittent injections of OC have proven to improve glucose metabolism and prevent type 2 diabetes in mice [2]. Moreover, electrolyte disorders are observed in metabolic pathways involved in impaired energy metabolism and glycaemic regulation. Recent data associate the use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation to reduce the risk of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) [3]. The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of altered bone turnover on glucose metabolism, using an animal model for osteopenia.Materials and methods: Animal experiments were conducted at FMV/UTL, according to its ethics committee, Portuguese law and E...