Our doctors provide a full range of diabetes services, including insulin injections, pens, and pumps; continuous glucose monitoring; Symlin® injections for glucose control; oral medications for type 2 diabetes; GLP-1 analogue injections (Byetta®, Bydureon®, Victoza®) for type 2 diabetes; and diabetes education.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones. Bones become abnormally porous, able to be compressed like a sponge. As a result, this disorder can result in frequent fractures.
Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades because osteoporosis doesn't cause symptoms until bone fractures. Moreover, some osteoporotic fractures may escape detection for years when they do not cause symptoms. Therefore, patients may not be aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture. Our doctors recommend a regular bone density test for both women and men over the age of 55.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
- Over the age of 55
- Being physically small and thin
- Having a family history of osteoporosis
- Taking certain medicines that may trigger causes
- Being a Caucasian or Asian woman
Treatments and Prevention
Once it is positive that osteoporosis is present, there are ways to treat and prevent further fractures. Having a balanced lifestyle change with medication will greatly increase the chances of prevention.
Lifestyle changes that can be helpful are:
- Moderate exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption
- A balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D
Doctors also offer medications that help greatly with the reproduction of bone mass to reverse the adverse effects of osteoporosis.
Reclast®: Reclast is a medication that is delivered through an IV. This allows the medication to be quickly administered into the body. Patients only have to receive Reclast once a year. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is administered through the vein in the arm. Two hours before receiving the IV, the patient must drink two glasses of water and take Advil or Tylenol. There are possible side effects such as body aches, joint pain, high blood pressure, or flu-like symptoms.
Prolia®: Prolia is given as a shot to women only. Female patients will be given a shot every six months to maintain the medication's effectiveness. The shot can be given either in the arm, upper thigh, or abdomen. Possible side effects from this shot may include skin issues, jaw problems, or low calcium levels. The patient should not have any oral surgery and have the jaw checked out before taking Prolia.
Boniva®: Boniva is given as a shot or an oral tablet. The shots are given every three months, and the oral tablet form is taken once a month. The tablet form of Boniva is an option for those who do not want to receive a shot or IV. Possible side effects may be diarrhea, pain in the arms or legs, or upset stomach.
Patients should discuss with their doctor what the best option would be for them. Blood work on kidney function is always required before the medication is given.