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Background: In IDDM, osteoporosis is reported to be a potential complication in several studies. But the relationship between NIDDM and bone mass remains controversial. The object of this study was to explore tbe association of osteopenia and NIDDM in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: The bone mineral densities(BMD) of L2, L3 and femur neck were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of LUNAR DEXA in 63 NIDDM post-menopausal women and 65 non-diabetie women. BMD of diabetic women and that of non-diabetic women was compared. The association of BMD with clinical measures and bone turnover parameters were also studied in both groups. Results: Absolute values of BMD showed significantly higher value in postmenopausal diabetic women than non-diabetic women at L2 and L3. By using multiple adjusted analysis, BMD was significantly higher in L2, L3 and femur neck also. In postmenopausal non-diabetic women, menopausal age, PMD, BMI had correlation with BMD in L2, and femur neck. In postmenopausal diabetic women, menopausal age, PMD, BMI had positive correlation with BMD in L2, L3 and femur neck. But there was no correlation between BMD and either serum osteocalcin or urine deoxypyridinoline Conclusions: Postmenopausal diabetic women had higher BMD in L2, L3 and femur neck than non-dia betic women. Thus postmenopausal diabetic women are not increased risk for diminished BMD. The mechanism of higher BMD of diabetics is unknown and further studies are required. There is no significant correlation between bone turnover parameters and bone mineral density, and further studies are required, too.