What is the Link Between Arthritis and Diabetes?

Arthritis and diabetes

According to medical science, diabetes and arthritis have a deep connection. Diabetes is a Heart disease which causes blood sugar levels to rise abnormally. Arthritis, on the other hand, is a bone disease that causes inflammation of the joints. How can diabetes cause joint diseases like arthritis? Research has shown that joints and nerves can be damaged if not treated for diabetes. Here we will examine 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 is related to the production or use of the insulin hormone. The insulin hormone transfers glucose into our body cells for energy production. Therefore, its insufficient production or utilization can cause blood sugar levels to rise abnormally. For this reason, diabetes is also known as the “high blood sugar” problem.

The link between diabetes and joint pain

There are two known types of diabetes worldwide. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It’s an autoimmune disease. Conversely, type 2 diabetes results in insufficient production or utilization of the insulin hormone. Failure to receive treatment for diabetes can lead to several other health complications. Arthritis is one such common complication that diabetes can cause.

Here we are going to read about the relationship between two common types of arthritis and diabetes.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and type 2 diabetes

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis around the world. The main cause of this joint condition is being overweight or obese. Obesity is also a major cause Type 2 diabetes. Because of the obesity connection, Diabetes and OA share a link.

With osteoarthritis, the pad between the joints wears off. Because of this, the bones in the joints begin to rub against each other. The deterioration in the joints is natural with age. However, being overweight due to diabetes leads to faster wear and tear. OA often affects the joints in the hips and knees.

Osteoarthritis symptoms

Here are some of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis.

• Joint pain
• swelling
• Inability to move limbs normally

Treatment of osteoarthritis

A combination of different treatment options can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes.

• Weight management – The best treatment option for these two problems is weight control. Losing weight can take a lot of pressure off your joints and muscles. In addition, it also helps relieve the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

• Healthy eating – Eating a healthy diet is critical to managing and managing the symptoms of these two conditions. First, high fiber foods can help reduce the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, foods high in vitamins, calcium, and omega-2 fatty acids are good for joint health.

• Physical movement – According to medical professionals, regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of diabetes and arthritis. The method of treatment that involves physical exercise is called physical therapy. To do this, you will need the assistance of a physical therapist to perform these exercises correctly.

• Medication – There are several OTC drugs that your doctor can prescribe for you. First, you may be given medication to control your blood sugar levels. In addition, some medications can help relieve symptoms of OA, such as swelling and pain. In general, the OTC medications for OA include prescription NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and narcotics.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Type 1 Diabetes

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease caused by autoimmune reactions in the body. The exact causes of this chronic joint disease are not yet fully understood. However, it is an autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes. Hence, medical experts believe that there might be a link between the two. RA symptoms are often visible on the hands and feet. In addition, both RA and type 1 diabetes show indicators of inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Here are some common symptoms that people with RA experience.

• Swelling in the joints
• Painful joints
• Bone erosion
• Joint deformity

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Medication – Since these are autoimmune diseases, there is no cure for RA and type 1 diabetes. However, you can treat the symptoms of these health conditions with certain medications. Several OTC drugs help treat the inflammation and swelling problem. You can also take medication to control blood sugar levels.

• physical therapy – Physiotherapy is effective in relieving the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Several physical exercises will help improve and restore normal joint movement. In addition, these exercises also help control weight and other diabetes symptoms.

• Yoga & stretching – Yoga is one of the oldest spiritual practices that includes breathing exercises and meditation activities. Yoga involves various poses that help stretch and improve the joints of the body. Here’s how a yoga counselor can guide you in performing the best poses to reduce RA symptoms. You can also do breathing exercises that will help manage symptoms of diabetes.

• Nutrient-rich diet – Our diet contributes 70% to the general fitness of our body. Therefore, it is important to eat the right foods for every health condition. You can do this by contacting a nutritionist in your area. They will create the perfect nutrition plan to manage your RA and type 1 diabetes symptoms.

• Other treatment options – You can choose between treatment options such as massage, acupuncture, essential oils, therapies and surgical interventions at any time.

The bottom line!

Arthritis and diabetes may not have a direct link, but they may have symptomatic links. Both chronic diseases can affect anyone and last a lifetime. There is no cure for these problems, but you can treat their symptoms easily. To do this, you must follow all precautions and undergo appropriate treatment. Regular exercise and a healthy eating plan can help manage the symptoms of these problems.