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A new study finds that long-term use of a two popular diabetes drugs may reduce bone density and double the risk of fractures.

Researchers at Wake Forest University found women with type two diabetes who took Avandia and Actos doubled the risk of fractures.

"This is disquieting, because diabetic patients already have an increased risk of hip fractures," says Dr. Xavier Pi-Sunyer, Chief of Endocrinology at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital.

The study of 14-thousand women discovered long term use of the medications weakens bones in women -- especially seniors. The same increased risk of fractures was not found in men. One out of every 21 patients in their 70's who took the drugs for at least a year suffered a broken bone, for women in their mid-50's -- it was one out of every 55.

About four million americans take the diabetes drugs every year about half are women. The two drugs help control blood sugar and make insulin shots more effective. Dr. Pi-Sunyer says doctors will have to be very careful about selecting the people they prescribe this medication to, making sure the women don't have osteoporosis.

Though researchers aren't sure why bones are weakened, it could be because the drugs replace bone marrow with fat cells. The makers of both drugs say they go to great lengths to publicize the medication risks. Avandia and Actos started carrying strong warning labels after recent studies revealed they also increase the risk of heart failure. That led many doctors to question if the risks outweigh the benefits.

Experts suggest diabetes patients talk with their doctors about other drugs to treat the disease.