For those diagnosed with osteoporosis or at risk for the disease, AACE recommends the following:

• A complete medical history and physical examination
  
  
• Basic laboratory tests, including a complete blood cell count, serum tests (particularly calcium, total protein, electrolytes and liver enzymes), and urinary calcium excretion
  
  
• As indicated
  
  Standard X-rays to study the spine, pelvis and wrist in patients with known or suspected fractures
  
  Biochemical markers of bone turnover to assess fracture risk in elderly patients, measure therapeutic response to treatment agents, and identify patients suffering from rapid bone loss
  
  Additional tests if initial findings suggest bone loss may be caused by an underlying condition
  
  
• Assessment of patient's reliability, understanding and willingness to accept available interventions

Osteoporosis Prevention

Goals of prevention include maximizing peak bone mass at skeletal maturity, preventing bone loss, preserving the structural integrity of the skeleton, and preventing fractures

Prevention basics include a balanced diet, sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise (walking, biking, etc.), avoidance of tobacco, caffeine and alcohol