Arthritis 'stops people with diabetes exercising'
People who suffer from both diabetes and arthritis are more likely to be physically inactive than those with only diabetes, a new report has indicated.
A new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US showed that people diagnosed with diabetes were almost twice as likely to develop arthritis.
However, the study also indicated that 29.8 per cent of patients with both conditions were physically inactive, compared to just 20.1 per cent of those with only diabetes.
The researchers stressed that physical activity would help patients manage both conditions.
Dr Chad Helmick, a CDC epidemiologist and co-author of the study, commented: "Everyone faces the same common barriers to being more physically active, such as lack of time, competing responsibilities, lack of motivation and difficulty finding an enjoyable activity.
"Those who also have arthritis face additional disease-specific barriers, such as concerns about aggravating arthritis pain and causing further joint damage, and knowing which types and amounts of activity are safe for their joints."
A spokeswoman for the Arthritis Research Campaign said: "Moderate exercise will not 'wear out' the joints, but will, in fact, help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. People with arthritis should always try to keep as mobile and active as they can. Swimming, cycling and brisk walking are among the options."
Recent related stories:
15 May 2008
14 May 2008
14 May 2008
14 May 2008
13 May 2008
13 May 2008
13 May 2008
RSS feed 