Trouble seldom comes alone. This is especially true of diabetes, which increases the risk of several chronic conditions, including arthritis.
But why does one often follow the other? And most importantly, how does one break the chain of unfortunate events?
Our expert, board-certified orthopedic surgeon & adult joint reconstruction surgeon, Dr. Thomas Kane III, explains the link and the options for managing your diabetes-related arthritis.
Research indicates that people suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop arthritis, and this happens for many reasons, including:
In other words, elevated blood sugar levels wreak havoc in the body on many levels, and the key to preventing complications is ensuring blood sugar levels are well controlled.
The macronutrients with the most significant impact on blood sugar levels are carbohydrates, which break down into glucose in the body, regardless of whether it’s oatmeal or a chocolate bar. Working with a dietitian and a medical provider to make modifications to your diet and medications can stop the vicious cycle of elevated blood sugar levels followed by complications.
Arthritis is when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the joint. Over time, the cartilage covering the joints wears down, causing bones to rub against each other, which leads to pain and stiffness. Joint cartilage is one of the few tissues in the body without the ability to self-repair.
While better blood sugar control is key to preventing further damage, what happens if pain, stiffness, and lack of mobility are already present in the joints?
Depending on the extent of the damage to the joints, treatment options include:
Regardless of the extent of the damage, modern medicine offers options to reduce pain and increase mobility.
If you are diabetic and suffer from arthritis, management often includes addressing your painful symptoms to help you stay active (adequate activity levels help manage blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation) and managing your blood sugar levels.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about managing your symptoms. Arthritis is a progressive disease, so the sooner you seek help, the better your chances of slowing down or halting its progression.
