Fighting Diabetes, Proactively!

Bad news!

People with diagnosed diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have arthritis, and the inactivity caused by arthritis hinders the successful management of both diseases, according to a new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) study released May 8 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[Via]

This is all over the internet, and spells quite a bad news for me. We have a family history of diabetes, and since the past few years my mom has been complaining about Arthritis as well.

The above correlation between diabetes and Arthritis is because of the fact that you need some physical activity to burn sugar, and with arthritis, you are advised not even climb a flight of stairs. I never thought of this, but this study is quite an eye-opener. gives me a head start since Ma doesn’t have diabetes yet, though we take lots of preventive care.

An excerpt of the report:

The report finds that arthritis appears to be a barrier to being physically active for people with diabetes. Despite the fact that physical activity helps control blood glucose levels and reduces joint pain, people with both diseases are more likely to be physically inactive (29.8%) compared to those with diabetes alone (20.1%).

“Arthritis is a frequent co morbid condition for adults with diabetes,” said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO, Arthritis Foundation. “But for both diseases, physical activity is key to effective management. A lack of physical activity actually results in undesirable consequences including increased pain, stiffness, inflammation, physical limitation and potential disability.”

The reports also tells some good things, about some safe and effective self-management programs are available. People living with arthritis and diabetes can benefit from participating in one of the Arthritis Foundation’s exercise or self-management programs, such as the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program,” said Klippel.

I would think that slow Tai Chi and Yoga should be good. But it is better to first consult a doctor. And one should eat a lot of cool boiled vegetables.