Fracture prediction tools in diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Type 1 (T1D) and 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with increased risk of fracture independent of bone mineral density (BMD). Fracture risk prediction tools can identify individuals at highest risk, and therefore, most likely to benefit from antifracture therapy. This review summarizes recent advances in fracture prediction tools as applied to individuals with diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: The Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool, Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator (FRC), and QFracture tool are validated tools for fracture risk prediction. FRAX is most widely used internationally, and considers T1D (but not T2D) under secondary osteoporosis disorders. FRAX underestimates fracture risk in both T1D and T2D. Trabecular bone score and other adjustments for T2D-associated risk improve FRAX-based estimations. Similar adjustments for T1D are not identified. Garvan FRC does not incorporate diabetes as an input but does includes falls. Garvan FRC slightly underestimates osteoporotic fracture risk in women with diabetes. QFracture incorporates both T1D and T2D and falls as input variables, but has not been directly validated in individuals with diabetes. SUMMARY: Further research is needed to validate and compare available fracture prediction tools and their performance in individuals with diabetes.