CDC study finds prevalence of arthritis in diabetics

WASHINGTON According to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of adult diabetics in the U.S. also have arthritis, which causes pain that may prevent them from exercising.

About 30 percent of people with both conditions were inactive, compared with 21 percent with just diabetes and 17 percent with arthritis alone, according to the study. Only 11 percent of adults with neither condition were inactive.

Researchers surveyed people in all 50 states from 2005 to 2007. People were considered inactive if they said they never did moderate or vigorous activities, which include brisk walking, gardening and vacuuming.

“These findings suggest more needs to be done to help people with diabetes and arthritis get physically active to improve their health,” Chad Helmick, a CDC epidemiologist and co-author of the study, said in a statement. “Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate the pain and disability that often accompany arthritis.”