Low bone mineral density is associated to poor glycemic control and increased OPG expression in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Osteocalcin values were decreased in diabetic groups in comparison to NG group (p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with both serum glucose (r = −0.265, p < 0.01) and Hb1Ac (r = −0.252, p < 0.01) in T1D group was found. BMD was lower in diabetic groups in comparison with NG group (p < 0.05) and a negative correlation was observed between BMD and both serum glucose (r = −0.357, p < 0.01) and HbA1c (r = −0.351, p < 0.01) in T1D group. OPG mRNA expression was significantly increased in T1D and T1DP groups in comparison with NG group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, children and adolescents with early onset T1D presented low bone mineral density associated to unsatisfactory glycemic control, increased OPG mRNA expression and low osteocalcin concentration.