Health
Arthritis can hamper diabetes care
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 26, 2008
More than half of adults with diabetes also have arthritis, which can prove a painful barrier to getting the exercise needed to manage their diabetes, says a study in the May 8 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Nationwide, 46.6 million adults have arthritis, and 20.6 million have diabetes. Research shows that engaging in joint-friendly activities such as walking, swimming and biking can help manage both conditions.
But the study found that 29.8% of adults with arthritis and diabetes were inactive, compared with 21% of people with diabetes alone, 17.3% of those with arthritis alone and 10.9% of adults with neither condition. The study concludes that disease self-management classes, including exercise programs that address arthritis-specific barriers, may help adults with arthritis and diabetes better manage their disease.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/05/26/hlbf0526.htm.
