Arthritis and diabetes are common comorbid conditions (conditions that coexist in the same patient). According to telephone survey results reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctor-diagnosed arthritis affected 52% of adults with diabetes between 2005 and 2007. The telephone survey involved 800,000 people who were asked questions about their health and their level of physical activity.

Physical activity is a recommended self-management strategy for both diabetes and arthritis. While nearly 21 million Americans reportedly have diabetes and more than 46 million have some type of arthritis, the impact of having both conditions on physical activity was the focus of the survey analysis. It was found that self-reported physical inactivity was significantly more prevalent among those with diabetes and arthritis than among those with diabetes alone. The association remained even after adjustment for age, gender, and body mass index. People with both conditions were 30 to 40% more likely to be physically inactive than those who had diabetes alone.

• Does a Sedentary Lifestyle Make Arthritis Worse?
• Over One-Third of Arthritis Patients Get No Exercise
• Sedentary Adults Can Benefit From Lower Levels of Exercise

Despite known health benefits, why don't people participate in regular physical activity? Lack of time, prioritizing other responsibilities, lack of motivation, and difficulty choosing a routine physical activity that is enjoyable are problems everyone faces. Having arthritis adds other concerns such as increasing joint pain, as well as choosing activities that are less stressful on the joints. For optimal management of diabetes and arthritis, it's important to overcome challenges presented by having both conditions and strive for incorporating regular, safe physical activity into usual daily routines. If possible, start by walking 10 minutes every day. Consult your doctor for advice on increasing your goals for regular physical activity.

More Related Resources:

• Exercise: Essential Treatment for Arthritis
• How to Exercise When You Have Arthritis
• How Do Arthritis Patients Perceive Exercise?
• Can Arthritis Patients Adapt Exercise and Still Reap Benefits?

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• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

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Fibromyalgia is a chronic and painful condition which affects about 10 million people in the United States alone. To increase public awareness of this often misunderstood condition, May 12th of each year is proclaimed "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day". Fibromyalgia has left many patients and physicians baffled and perplexed. Not much credence was given to fibromyalgia symptoms years ago, leaving patients to think it was "all in their head". Consequently, it was hard for family, friends, and employers to understand when patients themselves didn't fully understand.

• Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Fibromyalgia
• How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Current research has determined there is a physiological cause for fibromyalgia and various biochemical abnormalities in patients with fibromyalgia. The condition can affect anyone, but 75% of fibromyalgia patients are women. It often takes a patient an average of 5 years to get an accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It has also been reported that fibromyalgia costs society over $9 billion dollars a year in medical visits, disability, and loss of productivity. Though scientific research is becoming enlightened about fibromyalgia, it's just as important for the public to become aware of fibromyalgia, an invisible illness without a cure. The National Fibromyalgia Association's theme for 2008 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is Caring by Sharing.

More Related Resources:

• Fibromyalgia/CFS at About.com
• Test Your Knowledge: Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia 101: Free E-Course Newsletter
• 10 Things You Should Know About Fibromyalgia

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