Arthritis affects 21% of the population and the most common cause of disability in the United States.

Diabetes affects 7% of the American population–nearly a third unaware that they have the disease.

Patients with both arthritis and diabetes are caught in a conundrum. Physical activity is painful, yet their diabetes improves with physical activity. According to the Arthritis Foundation the good news is that safe and effective self-management programs are available. Individuals living with arthritis and diabetes can benefit from participating in a exercise of self-management programs the foundation offers (locate a local chapter at www.arthritis.org)

As Baby-Boomers age arthritis is expected to increase by 40% in the next 2 decades. However, arthritis research has declined steadily by $29 million over the past 6 years. The Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act (S. 626/H.R. 1283) proposes to strengthen arthritis public health initiatives to ensure more people are diagnosed early, which will help avoid permanent disability and avoid pain.