Arthritis and Diabetes

How difficult is it to control two chronic illnesses simultaneously?

By Annette Beach

Have you heard the expression, “Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good?”

Do you agree?

In my blog, “Second Illness” (2/24/10), I talk about the unfairness of being diagnosed with more than one major illness. In addition to sharing personal experiences, I included a post from, Susan, a fellow blogger, who commented on the struggles of battling arthritis and cancer. (Susan, how are you?)

Unfortunately, the majority of you can relate to second illnesses! There are a number of posts throughout my blogs supporting multiple battles.

Diabetes is a serious and common chronic illness. It’s a condition where the body has trouble producing or properly using insulin (a hormone that works with cells to take glucose from blood). There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1 is when the body fails to produce insulin, requiring injections (similar to arthritis only the body attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells); type 2 is insulin resistance, when cells produce, but fail to use insulin properly; and Gestational caused by high blood glucose levels during pregnancy.     

This terrifies me! My family history puts me at risk on both sides. Early on, I can remember my young cousin injecting herself with insulin and fearing I’d be next. When I learned diabetes was possible during pregnancy, I kept track of my intake and ate a well-balanced diet. I truly fear diabetes! Although it’s treatable, it can be wicked!

Did you know that 52 percent of the people with diabetes also have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis?

The combination of diabetes and arthritis is serious! Patients with both have higher risks of complications during surgical procedures, specifically joint replacement surgery. For any of you who’ve had joints replaced, you know what the surgery and recovery entails, not to mention the unforeseen complications, often involving blood transfusions.

If you have diabetes, controlling blood glucose levels is crucial. Those with uncontrolled levels have a significantly higher risk of post-op bleeding, stroke, infection and worse. In addition, they can have longer hospital stays.

Years ago, I cared for an elderly family member who had both, arthritis and UNcontrolled type 1 diabetes. What a challenge! Emergency room visits became routine and medical care was always complicated! He was of the mindset that because he’d lived a long life, he could eat whatever and as much as he wanted. NOT! This introduced me to the world of diabetic comas. I’m more fearful now of diabetes than ever before.

Do you have or know someone with diabetes? How difficult is it to control? Have you experienced complications or extended hospital care as a result? Please share tips in the comment section below that could be helpful to those battling more than one illness or having both, arthritis and diabetes.