Bone concerns over new ‘diabetes drugs’

DOCTORS have warned the diabetes drugs being used for weight loss could have hidden health risks.

- By Lucy Johnston SOCIAL AFFAIRS EDITOR

The Royal Osteoporosis Society has expressed concern over research showing up to 40% of the amount people lose by using GLP-1 injections comes from vital muscle and bone mass.

This muscle loss can impair strength, blood sugar levels as well as joint stability, while loss of bone density raises the potential deadly risk of fractures and osteoporosis, particularly in later life.

Women are at higher risk of the condition, especially after menopause, when hormone levels drop.

Julia Thomson, a specialist nurse with the ROS, said: “This is an emerging field of research and people need to be warned that using these drugs increases the risk of losing bone and muscle as well as fat.

“Bone and muscle health is key to prevent the risk of falling and fractures which can lead to premature death or else have a devastating effect on people’s ability to live independently.”