Fracture Risk for Older Men Related to Metabolic Syndrome

If you want to live to be over 100 and be healthy then it is worth knowing that common findings are good bone health and no insulin resistance. On the other hand, a new study of men over the age of 70 links their risk of fracture¹ to having the metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance and an expanded waistline.)

One of the most exciting new areas of metabolic research involves the role of bones in blood sugar health. Bone-building osteoblasts secrete a protein called osteocalcin, which in turn must be made biologically active by vitamin K and somewhat ironically, by the activity of osteoclasts (the bone demo crew). In other words a deficiency of vitamin K or the blocking of vitamin K with warfarin, or the blocking of osteoclasts with bisphosphonate bone drugs will reduce the amount of biologically active osteocalcin. Why does that matter? It certainly matters to bone strength but osteocalcin also travels to your white adipose tissue where it acts as a hormone help regulate the ability of your body to metabolize blood sugar properly.

This new study is in men and likely applies to women. It means that as you get older, the larger your waistline the higher your risk for insulin resistance and fractures.