Parathyroid Glands May Influence Falls in Older Diabetics

The 4 parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the tissues supplying the bones and muscles. They are called parathyroids because they are situated behind the thyroid gland in the neck, two on each side. It’s been suggested that a high level of parathyroid hormone promotes muscle weakness. To investigate this further, Wake Forrest University scientists have examined the possible relationship between parathyroid hormone blood levels and the frequency of falls in older people with diabetes. Their findings are reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The study analyzed reports from 472 participants in the Health, Aging and Body Composition (HealthABC) Study. Their ages were between 70 and 79, and they were healthy apart from having type 2 diabetes. Parathyroid hormone levels were measured at baseline, and self-reports of falls were collected over the next 12 months.

A third of the participants reported a fall in the 1 year period. The baseline average parathyroid hormone level was 54 pg/mL in those who didn’t fall, and 63 pg/mL in the fallers. After adjusting for age, gender, race, and other possible interfering factors, it was found that the risk of falling increased 30% for every 36 pg/mL increase in parathyroid hormone level.

This is a warning to older folk who are finding their muscles aren’t as strong as they used to be, especially if they’re diabetic. While the exact role of parathyroid hormone in determining muscle weakness isn’t understood, yet, it is known that the level can be influenced by a variety of factors.