Bone fragility is a complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and insulin resistance is suspected to contribute to diabetes-related bone deficits. This article provides an overview of emerging clinical research involving insulin resistance and bone health by summarizing recent publications, identifying existing knowledge gaps, and suggesting ‘next steps’ for this evolving field of research.

Clinical studies in children and adults report greater bone density in people with increased insulin resistance, but these associations are often attenuated when adjusting for body size. Advancements in bone imaging methods allow for assessment of nuanced characteristics of bone quality and strength that extend beyond standard bone mineral density assessment methods. For example, several recent studies focusing on lumbar spine trabecular bone score, a relatively new measure of trabecular bone quality from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, have reported generally consistent inverse associations with insulin resistance. Longitudinal studies using advanced imaging methods capable of evaluating trabecular bone microstructure and strength, such as high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography, are lacking. Studies in younger individuals are sparse, but emerging data suggest that peak bone mass attainment might be threatened by diabetes progression, and increased visceral fat, suppressed muscle-bone unit, advanced glycation end-products, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet quality might contribute to diabetes effects on bone. Prospective studies during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood are required.

Insulin resistance is a main feature of T2D, which is suspected to contribute to subclinical diabetes-related threats to bone health. Future clinical studies should focus on the critical years surrounding peak bone mass and peak bone strength attainment using contemporary imaging techniques.