The Link Between Arthritis And Diabetes
Updated November 2021
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Arthritis refers to a group of over 100 conditions which can affect any joint in the body. As well as the tell tale symptoms
of arthritis (like joint pain, swelling and stiffness), people living with arthritis may also experience other symptoms
or conditions. In this article, we explore diabetes as one condition that can have links or similarities with arthritis.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which our body is unable to maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose comes from the
breakdown of foods in our diet and is our body's main source of energy.
To use glucose for energy, our body makes a hormone called insulin. However, in people with diabetes, the body either does not make
this hormone, or does not respond to it. This leads to having too much glucose in the blood. If not managed, overtime this causes
various health complications.
The most common types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. You can visit Diabetes Queensland for more information on the
different types of diabetes, its risk factors and how to manage the condition.
The Link Between Diabetes and Arthritis
Although diabetes and arthritis are two separate conditions, having any form of arthritis can be linked with an increased
risk of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Visit Diabetes Queensland to learn more about risk factors and symptoms of diabetes, and speak with your doctor if you experience any
symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes and inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis, for example rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and type 1 diabetes are both autoimmune conditions. These are conditions that
occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks cells in our body. In rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, the
immune system attacks the joints and surrounding tissues. In type 1 diabetes, it attacks the cells in our pancreas (where insulin is made).
Living with an autoimmune condition, can increase the risk of developing other autoimmune conditions. People living with inflammatory
arthritis may also be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, due to high levels of inflammation which may cause resistance
to insulin.
Type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis
People living with type 2 diabetes may also be at an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA). Research suggests this could be due
to both conditions having similar risk factors and being more common in people who may be older, over a healthy weight and
physically inactive.
Living with arthritis and diabetes
As with arthritis, the way you manage your diabetes will depend on your individual situation.
It is important to speak with your doctor, and to assemble your healthcare team of specialists for expert advice and support on managing
these conditions.
However, the good news is that there are healthy choices we can make that can have benefits, or reduce our risk of both conditions. These
include:
- Aiming to eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Regular physical activity
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Quitting smoking (if you smoke)
This article by Arthritis
Foundation
discusses some of the links between arthritis and diabetes and how you can lower your risk of diabetes when you have arthritis. Read
the article here: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/the-link-between-arthritis-and-diabetes.
Arthritis Foundation is a USA based charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. Affiliate links to external organisations
mentioned in the above article are USA-based organisations. For help with locating similar organisation in Queensland, contact us on
health@arthritis.org.au or 1800 011 041.
How can we help?
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Always talk to your doctor and/or health professional before starting an exercise program. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist
can suggest safe exercises and make sure you are doing your exercises correctly.
References
Arthritis Foundation: The link between arthritis and diabetes https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/the-link-between-arthritis-and-diabetes
Creaky Joints: Arthritis and Diabetes: Understanding the Connection, and How to Lower Your Risk https://creakyjoints.org/comorbid-conditions/arthritis-and-diabetes/
Diabetes Queensland https://www.diabetesqld.org.au/
