Arthritis Hits More Than Half of Diabetics

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One of the keys to controlling diabetes is exercise, Klippel stressed.

"People with diabetes are going to have to pay a lot more attention to their arthritis if they hope to achieve better control of their diabetes," Klippel said. "People with arthritis are going to have to recognize that there is an association between diabetes and arthritis."

For people with arthritis and diabetes, the Diabetes Foundation recommends getting physically active by taking a walk at least three days a week.

The foundation recommends starting with a 10-minute walk, increasing it to 30 minutes over time. Before taking that walk, it's important to stretch your legs, lower back, chest and arms, Klippel said.

To keep yourself motivated, walk with a friend, the foundation suggests.

In addition, maintaining a healthy weight will place less stress on joints, particularly the knees. Also, being overweight can cause you to tire more quickly and give up on your exercise program.

More information

For more on arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation.