Osteocalcin (OCN), a marker of bone formation, is known to regulate glucose metabolism and influence the risk of developing adverse metabolic outcomes. Available evidence from cross-sectional studies, supports inverse associations of serum total OCN with risk of adverse metabolic outcomes.

A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that both OCN and undercarboxylated OCN are similarly and negatively correlated with FPG an HbA1c in humans. The negative correlations between unOCN and glucose metabolism appear to be more pronounced in males than in females.

Diabetic osteopathy is an upcoming complication of diabetes characterized by osteoporosis, increased risk for bone fractures and alterations in bone metabolism. In a cross-sectional study we conducted on 93 diabetes patients, OCN levels are inversely associated with HbA1c and BMI, supporting the hypothesis that a poor glycemic control can impair osteoblast function.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with impaired bone strength, although it is characterized by normal or elevated bone mineral density. Fracture risk is higher in older adults with T2D and may be influenced by treatments for diabetes. Several therapeutic strategies are available to achieve the best outcomes in the management of diabetes but these have different effects on bone metabolism. Oral anti-diabetic drugs have different effects on bone metabolism. Several therapeutic strategies are available to achieve the best outcomes in the management of this disease but these have different effects on bone metabolism. Both diabetes and osteoporosis represent a significant burden in terms of healthcare costs and quality of life.