Arthritis Common in Adults with Diabetes, May Interfere with Physical Activity

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Arthritis Common in Adults with Diabetes, May Interfere with Physical Activity

Arthritis is nearly twice as common in adults with diabetes as in the general population — and may interfere with physical activity in these patients —reports MMWR.

CDC researchers interviewed U.S. adults in 2005 and 2007. Among the findings:

52% of adults with diabetes reported having arthritis, compared with 27% of adults overall.
30% of adults with both diabetes and arthritis — but only 21% of those with diabetes alone — were physically inactive.
After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, the odds of inactivity were 30% higher in diabetics with versus without arthritis.

An editorial note suggests that "providers interested in improving diabetes management might want to especially consider arthritis-related barriers among persons with diabetes who are physically inactive."