ARTHRITIS INTERFERES WITH CONTROLLING
DIABETES
~ Physical Activity
Vital for Successful Management of Both Diseases~
May 2008
Atlanta, GA - People with
diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from arthritis
and more likely to be inactive, hindering the successful
management of both diseases, according to a new Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The report finds that arthritis
presents a unique barrier to being physically active
for people with diabetes. Despite the fact that physical
activity helps control blood glucose levels and reduces
pain and inflammation of the joints, people with both
diseases are more likely to skip exercise due to fear
of pain or the worsening of their condition.
Today nearly 46 million -
or one in every five - American adults has arthritis,
and an estimated 67 million people will be affected
by 2030, according to the CDC. Arthritis is the leading
cause of disability in the U.S., affecting one in every
four Americans (27 percent). Diabetes affects approximately
7 percent of the American population, with nearly a
third unaware that they have the disease.
To help people with arthritis
and diabetes address and overcome these potential barriers
to successful management of their diseases, self management
programs are available to help patients improve their
knowledge about their disease, improve their confidence
in managing it and provide them with the necessary coping
skills. A physical therapist, occupational therapist,
exercise physiologist or doctor can recommend an exercise
program that may include range of motion exercises,
and endurance exercises.
The Arthritis Foundation is
also working to help address this ever-growing problem
through the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure
Act (S. 626/H.R. 1283) which proposes to strengthen
arthritis public health initiatives, ensuring that more
people are diagnosed early, helping to avoid pain and
permanent disability. On Thursday May 8, the foundation
will be hosting an educational briefing on Capitol Hill
to bolster additional support for the current bill.
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