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.
- Medications – There are several OTC medications that your doctor can prescribe for you. Firstly, you can get medicines to manage your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, some medicines can help to alleviate the symptoms of OA like swelling and pain. Generally, the OTC drugs for OA include prescription NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and narcotics.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Type 1 Diabetes
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition caused by autoimmune reactions inside the body. The exact causes of this chronic joints condition are still not completely clear. However, it’s an autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes. Thus, medical experts believe that there may be a link between these two. RA symptoms are commonly visible in the hands and the feet. Furthermore, RA and type-1 diabetes both display inflammatory indicators.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms that patients with RA experience.
- Swelling in joints
- Painful joints
- Bone erosion
- Joint deformity
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
- Medicines – Being autoimmune disorders, there is no cure for RA and type-1 diabetes. However, you can manage the symptoms of these health conditions with certain medications. Several OTC medicines help to treat the inflammation and swelling problem. Along with this, you can take medications to manage blood sugar levels.
- Physiotherapy – Physiotherapy is effective for easing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes ad Rheumatoid Arthritis. Several physical exercises help to improve and recover the normal movement of joints. Furthermore, these exercises also help to manage weight and other diabetes symptoms.
- Yoga & Stretching – Yoga is one of the oldest spiritual practices that involve breathing exercises and meditation activities. Yoga includes various poses, which help to stretch and improve body joints. Thus, a yoga counselor can guide you to perform the best poses to reduce RA symptoms. Also, you can do breathing exercises that help manage diabetes symptoms.
- Nutrient-Dense Diet – Our diet plays a 70% role in the overall fitness of our bodies. Thus, it’s crucial to consume the right foods for every health condition. For this, you can get in touch with a dietitian near you. They will create the perfect diet plan to manage your RA and Type 1 Diabetes symptoms.
- Other Treatment Options – You can always choose treatment options like massage, acupuncture, essential oils, therapies, and surgical procedures.
The Bottom Line!
Arthritis and diabetes may not share a direct link, yet they do share symptomatic links. Both these chronic disorders can affect anyone and last for a lifetime. There is no cure for these problems, but you can manage their symptoms easily. For this, you will need to follow all the precautionary measures and undergo proper treatment. Regular exercise and a healthy diet plan can help you manage symptoms of these problems.
