MAFLD is associated with lower bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes: an exploratory cross-sectional analysis of a potential indirect association with HOMA-IR - Report - MDSpire

MAFLD is associated with lower bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes: an exploratory cross-sectional analysis of a potential indirect association with HOMA-IR

  • By

  • Lu Lin

  • Yanqian Zhuang

  • Rongkun Xu

  • Wencheng Yi

  • Pin Chen

  • Wenqing Wang

  • May 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Relationship Between MAFLD and Reduced Bone Mineral Density

Overview

This study investigates the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It finds that MAFLD is significantly associated with lower BMD, with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) accounting for a modest portion of this relationship.

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic condition that can lead to various complications, including osteoporosis and fractures. Recent research suggests that MAFLD, a condition linked to insulin resistance, may adversely affect bone metabolism in T2DM patients. Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing bone health in this population.

Data Highlights

GroupBMD T-scorePrevalence of Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
MAFLD (n=86)-1.12 ± 1.1659.0%
Non-MAFLD (n=83)-0.50 ± 1.0733.7%

Key Findings

  • Patients with MAFLD had significantly lower BMD T-scores compared to those without MAFLD (P < 0.001).
  • Multivariable regression analysis indicated an inverse association between MAFLD and BMD (β = -0.562, P = 0.003).
  • The indirect effect of MAFLD on BMD through HOMA-IR was statistically significant (β = -0.070, 95% CI: -0.142 to -0.015).
  • FIB-4 was not independently associated with BMD.
  • The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis was higher in the MAFLD group (59.0%) compared to the non-MAFLD group (33.7%, P = 0.002).

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider screening for MAFLD in patients with T2DM, as it is associated with lower BMD and higher prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis. Addressing insulin resistance may be beneficial in managing bone health in this population.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a significant relationship between MAFLD and reduced BMD in T2DM patients, with insulin resistance playing a modest mediating role. Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of these associations.

Related Resources & Content

  1. American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Care, 2025 -- Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in People With Diabetes: The Need for Screening and Early Intervention
  2. Frontiers, 2025 -- Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with bone health in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
  3. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 2024 -- METS-IR/HOMA-IR and MAFLD in U.S. adults: dose–response correlation and the effect mediated by physical activity
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024 -- Identifying Fracture Risk Factors in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Excess Weight
  5. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024 -- Bone Microstructure in Elderly Men with Type 2 Diabetes: Significance of Bone Dimensions
  6. conexiant, 2024 -- Excess Fat Linked to Weaker Bones in Autoimmune Diabetes
  7. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Identifying Risk Factors for Bone Microarchitecture Deficiencies in Elderly Males with Type 2 Diabetes: Insights from the MrOS Study
  8. Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in People With Diabetes: The Need for Screening and Early Intervention. A Consensus Report of the American Diabetes Association | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association
  9. Frontiers | Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with bone health in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
  10. METS-IR/HOMA-IR and MAFLD in U.S. adults: dose–response correlation and the effect mediated by physical activity | BMC Endocrine Disorders | Springer Nature Link

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