Arthritis and Diabetes
Diabetes & arthritis share a deep connection as per medical science. Diabetes is a Heart Diseases that causes blood sugar levels to increase abnormally. On the other hand, arthritis is a bone condition that leads to inflammation of the joints. So how can diabetes cause joint conditions like arthritis? According to research, not getting diabetes treatment can cause damage to the joints and nerves. Here we will check out the link between arthritis and diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a health condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise abnormally. This health condition shares a link with the production or utilization of the insulin hormone. The insulin hormone transmits glucose into our body cells for energy. Thus, its insufficient production or utilization can cause blood glucose levels to increase abnormally. For this reason, diabetes is also known as the ‘high blood sugar’ problem.
The connection between Diabetes & Joint Pain
There are two prominent types of diabetes around the world. In type 1 diabetes, there is little or zero production of insulin by the pancreas gland. It’s an autoimmune disorder. Conversely, in type 2 diabetes, there is inadequate production or utilization of the insulin hormone. If you don’t get diabetes treatment, it can lead to several other health complications. Arthritis is one such common complication that diabetes can cause.
Here we’ll read about the link between two common types of arthritis and diabetes.
Osteoarthritis (OA) & Type 2 Diabetes
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis in the whole world. The primary cause of this joints condition is excess weight or obesity. Being overweight is also one of the primary causes of type 2 diabetes. Due to the obesity connection, diabetes and OA share a link.
In osteoarthritis, the cushion between the joints wears away. Due to this reason, the bones in the joints start rubbing against each other. Joints deterioration is natural with increasing age. However, excess weight due to diabetes causes faster wear and tear. OA commonly affects the joints in the hips and knees.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Here are some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- Joints Pain
- Swelling
- Inability To Move The Limbs Normally
Osteoarthritis Treatment
A combination of different treatment options can help ease the symptoms of OA & Type 2 Diabetes.
- Weight Management – The best treatment option for these two problems is managing weight. Losing weight can remove a lot of pressure from the joints and muscles. Furthermore, it also helps to alleviate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
- Healthy Diet – A healthy diet is crucial to treat and manage the symptoms of both these disorders. Firstly, fiber-rich foods can help to reduce the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, foods rich in vitamins, calcium, and omega-2 fatty acids are good for joints health.
- Physical Exercise – According to medical professionals, regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of diabetes and arthritis. The treatment method that involves physical workouts is known as Physiotherapy. For this, you will need the assistance of a physiotherapist to perform these exercises correctly.
