母親節健康警訊！骨鬆性骨折恐成家庭負擔 專家籲及早骨密度檢測 – 台視新聞網

The Taiwan Osteoporosis Society and the Taiwan Diabetes Educators Association have issued a public health warning regarding the long-term risks of osteoporosis, emphasizing that osteoporotic fractures are evolving from an individual health concern into a structural challenge for families and society as Taiwan enters a super-aged society.

Medical experts are urging the public to prioritize bone density screenings, particularly for women over the age of 50 and individuals living with diabetes, to mitigate the risk of debilitating fractures.

Research indicates that approximately one in three women over the age of 50 may experience a fracture during their lifetime. Women represent roughly 80 percent of all osteoporosis patients, making this demographic a primary high-risk group.

Clinicians warn that many women overlook early warning signs, such as a decrease in height or chronic lower back pain, often dismissing these symptoms as normal signs of aging, which leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

While aging and gender are well-known risk factors, the medical societies highlighted that diabetes patients are a frequently overlooked high-risk group. Data shows that the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with type 2 diabetes is approximately 40 percent.

the risk of hip fractures for those with type 2 diabetes is estimated to be 1.7 times higher than that of the general population.

Among the various types of osteoporotic fractures—which commonly occur in the wrists, spine, and hips—hip fractures are the most severe. Experts noted that Taiwan has the highest incidence of hip fractures in Asia, characterized by a high probability of secondary fractures and a marked increase in mortality and disability risks.

Clinical observations reveal the devastating impact of these injuries, with a death rate of nearly 20 percent within one year following a hip fracture. Approximately 30 percent of patients suffer permanent disability, and nearly 80 percent are unable to live independently.

The severity of these outcomes often shifts the burden of care onto the family. Regarding the impact of these injuries, physicians have described how one fracture can become a turning point for life and the burden of family care.

To combat these risks, healthcare institutions are implementing targeted prevention strategies. En Chu Kong Hospital has launched a Calcium Preservation and Fall Prevention Campaign to address the hidden dangers of bone loss.

Medical professionals emphasize that maintaining bone health requires a combination of calcium supplementation and critical nutritional support, as exercise alone may not be sufficient to prevent bone loss in high-risk individuals.

Public health efforts are also being supported by policy changes. National Health Insurance coverage for related screenings and treatments was expanded in 2025 to encourage earlier detection and intervention.

Experts recommend that those in high-risk categories consult with physicians to develop personalized treatment strategies, combining lifestyle management with pharmacological interventions where necessary to reduce the risk of fractures.