Abstract
To determine whether there is a geographic difference in the prevalence of diabetic osteopenia, 5939 diabetic patients aged 50 to 69 throughout Japan were included in a multi-institutional survey using microdensitometric analysis of X-ray films of bones. The prevalence was higher in both male and female patients in northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku District) than in southern Japan (Kyushu and Chu-Shikoku District). The prevalence on Japan Sea side was significantly higher than on Pacific Ocean side. The prevalence of osteopenia at inland was also significantly higher than at sea-side. When we compare the mean daily sunlight energy and the prevalence of osteopenia in seven districts of Japan, there was a negative correlation between them, indicating that sunshine is an important determinant in causing diabetic osteopenia.
