Canagliflozin and Bone Health — August 2023 Archive

In August 2023 we published a focused piece on canagliflozin and how it can affect bones. If you or someone you care for uses canagliflozin for type 2 diabetes, the post explains the concerns, what studies showed, and what you can do right away.

What the August post covered

The main takeaway: canagliflozin works well to lower blood sugar, but some studies linked it to lower bone density and a higher fracture risk in certain people. The CANVAS program, a large clinical program that looked at canagliflozin, reported higher fracture rates in participants and small drops in bone mineral density over time. That doesn't mean everyone will have problems, but it does change the risk picture for older adults and people already at risk for osteoporosis.

We explained where the signal came from, who seemed most affected (older patients, those with prior fractures or low bone mass), and why doctors might want to consider bone health when choosing diabetes meds. The post avoided scare tactics and focused on clear facts you can use in a clinic visit or when talking with your pharmacist.

Practical steps and clear advice

If you take canagliflozin, check your fracture risk with your provider. Ask about a bone density test if you are over 65, have had a fracture, or have other risk factors like long-term steroid use. Simple steps like getting enough calcium and vitamin D, doing balance and strength exercises, and preventing falls can make a real difference.

If your fracture risk is high, your clinician may suggest switching to another diabetes medicine or adding bone-protecting therapy. Don’t stop medication on your own — sudden changes can harm blood sugar control. Instead, plan any switch with a clear follow-up plan.

For caregivers and family members: watch for changes in mobility, new bone pain, or a fall. Small problems can turn into big ones if they’re missed. If you see anything unusual, call a healthcare provider and get a quick check.

The August article also reminded readers that research keeps evolving. While CANVAS raised concerns, later data and real-world studies give more detail about who is truly at risk. We encouraged readers to keep an ongoing conversation with their medical team rather than relying on a single article.

Bottom line: canagliflozin is effective for many people with type 2 diabetes, but it may carry extra bone-related risks for some. Our August 2023 post aimed to make those risks easy to understand and to give actionable steps you can take now to protect bone health while managing blood sugar.