ASBMR

ASBMR 2025: GLP-1 therapy linked to lower fracture risk in older women with diabetes

September 18, 2025

Women >55 years with T2DM who were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists had significantly fewer fragility fractures over 5 years, according to findings presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Annual Meeting.

This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network to compare fracture risk in women aged 55 to 89 with T2DM who were prescribed GLP-1 RAs—including lixisenatide, liraglutide, exenatide, tirzepatide, semaglutide, or dulaglutide—vs. matched controls not on GLP-1 therapy. Matching accounted for age, race, BMI, HbA1c, osteoporosis, corticosteroid use, and other confounders.

At both 2-year and 5-year follow-up, GLP-1 RA users had significantly lower rates of subtrochanteric, intertrochanteric, femoral neck, periprosthetic, vertebral wedge compression, and distal radius fractures (p< 0.0001).

These results suggest that GLP-1 RAs may offer bone-protective benefits in older women with T2DM, in addition to their metabolic effects. While mechanisms remain unclear, the findings support further investigation into GLP-1’s role in bone health and fracture prevention.

Source:

Chaudhry, J., et al. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Annual Meeting. Fracture Risk in Women Over 55 with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Analysis of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist. Oral presentation 1033. https://asbmr.confex.com/asbmr/2025/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/3475