Suchit Chidurala

Background: In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), bone and microvascular complications may be linked. Methods: The University of California Davis (UCD) polygenic T2DM and Sprague Dawley healthy control (CTL) rats (N = 48) were divided equally into diabetic and age-matched groups: (1) pre-diabetes, (2) diabetes onset, (3) early-stage T2DM, and (4) late-stage T2DM. Body mass, HbA1c, fasted blood glucose and femoral and tibial lengths were measured. Bones were scanned (μCT; 15 µm) to assess trabecular microarchitecture and density and mid-shaft cortical thickness (Ct.Th, µm), density and porosity. Ossified vessel volume (OsVV, %) and thickness (OsV.Th, µm) were also analyzed. A GLM determined significance at p < 0.05. Body mass and HbA1c were higher (p < 0.05) in all T2DM groups and blood glucose became elevated (p < 0.05) in early-stage T2DM and late-stage T2DM. Results: Tibiae and femora were longer (p < 0.05) with diabetes. Tibial bone volume was lower (p < 0.05) in pre-diabetes (4 ± 1% vs. CTL, 9 ± 2%) and late-stage T2DM (5 ± 2% vs. CTL, 8 ± 2%), and femoral bone volume was lower (p < 0.05) in pre-diabetes (7 ± 1% vs. 12 ± 4%). Cortical density (tibia) was lower (p < 0.05) in pre-diabetes and early-stage T2DM. Trabecular density in the femur was lower (p < 0.05) in all T2DM groups and cortical density was reduced (p < 0.05) in pre-diabetes, diabetes onset, and late-stage T2DM. OsVV in both bones were lower (p < 0.05) during early-stage T2DM. Tibial OsV.Th was higher (p < 0.05) in pre-diabetes (69 ± 14 µm vs. CTL, 56 ± 13 µm) and late-stage T2DM (80 ± 10 µm vs. CTL, 59 ± 13 µm) and higher (p < 0.05) in the femur at diabetes onset (58 ± 14 µm vs. CTL, 40 ± 10 µm). Conclusions: Trabecular and cortical bone varied as diabetes progressed, and the thicker ossified vessels may represent microangiopathy.

The Healthy Choices Team (HCT) is a community-based initiative that addresses health disparities by promoting sustainable behavior change in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness within a diverse community in Bexar County, Texas. This initiative was developed in response to Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) conducted at the El Bari Community Health Center, which identified nutrition as a top community health priority. The HCT, now in its fifth year, employs a model emphasizing bi-directional learning, cultural sensitivity, and community ownership. The program involves twice-monthly sessions led by an interdisciplinary team of health professionals, students, and community members, culminating in a graduation ceremony that encourages graduates to return as community ambassadors. The HCT has adapted its curriculum over the years based on community feedback and survey data, with a focus on nutrition, healthy cooking, and other positive lifestyle habits. Pre- and post-program surveys indicate that the HCT has been effective in improving participants’ health knowledge and habits. Specifically, participants demonstrated significant improvements in reading nutrition labels, tracking sodium intake, and increasing their levels of physical activity. These results highlight the importance of community-driven interventions that address cultural nuances and promote active participation. The HCT provides a framework for other community-based programs seeking to foster sustainable behavior change and improve health outcomes. The program’s success is attributed to its emphasis on building trust, fostering a sense of community, and empowering individuals to become agents of change within their own social networks.