Is there a link between arthritis and diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic and often debilitating condition that requires lifelong management. Over time, it affects other body parts and organs. As scientists look to investigate diabetes and its long-term effects, they have come to discover a possible link between diabetes mellitus and different forms of arthritis. Having one of the two conditions may raise your chances of developing the other one.

Researchers claim that Rheumatoid Arthritis increases the risk of getting diabetes by nearly 50%, while diabetes increases the likelihood of having rheumatoid arthritis and related problems by 20%.

How are arthritis and diabetes connected?

Studies have revealed that having an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a higher risk of both Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes. This could be because both the conditions result in chronic inflammation. Although inflammation helps your body to heal in the short run, if it is an ongoing process, your body might stop responding to insulin the way it should – it is commonly known as insulin resistance. In due course, such a condition may increase your likelihood of having Type 2 diabetes.

Another possible explanation could be the use of steroids. While steroids are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, they may put you at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Some researchers believe that it is possible that the swelling, stiffness, and severe, intense pain experienced by arthritis patients will keep them from exercising regularly. As studies found, lack of exercise or physical inactivity causes you to become overweight or obese, which again, is a major risk factor for diabetes.

The link between diabetes and arthritis may be common risk factors. For instance – the genes causing one of the conditions could lead to the other. Besides, certain lifestyle choices – lack of exercise, poor diet, excess body weight, and smoking may also affect your likelihood of getting both diabetes and arthritis.

Is there a way to manage both the conditions?

People, who have already been diagnosed with arthritis, can prevent or at least lower the risk of developing diabetes by following these steps –

• Eat a balanced, healthy diet

• Stay active

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Manage the condition by taking appropriate medications

Managing arthritis can help you stay more active, stave off the risk of diabetes and improve your quality of life.