There is a connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes, although they are two different diseases. In a number of studies, it has been found that the risk for diabetes increases by almost 50% if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Again, if you have diabetes, you have almost 20% more risk of having rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritis-related issues. Therefore, you should not neglect any of these diseases and consult specialist doctors at the doctor clinic in Hooghly.
The Connection between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes
The following things play a role in the connection between these two:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes are both autoimmune diseases.
The destruction of germs and other sickness-causing invaders is the job of the immune system. In some cases, there are problems in the system and it turns against the healthy cells of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints. The cells in the pancreas producing insulin, a hormone that helps in the processing of blood sugar by your body, become the target of type 1 diabetes. Among all the diabetes cases, less than 5% consists of type 1 diabetes and it is normally diagnosed in children and young adults. There can be more than one autoimmune disease in some people, according to research. The identification of a gene that increases the risk for both type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis had been done by scientists.
- Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation.
Inflammation helps the body heal in the short run. However, the body stops responding to insulin the way it should if the inflammation remains for a long time. The term given to this is insulin resistance. The risk for type 2 diabetes can increase if this condition persists. When the body does not make enough insulin or resists its effects, this occurs.
- Diabetes also triggers inflammation.
There is also chronic inflammation from diabetes and this may pave the way for RA. Genetics and environmental factors cause rheumatoid arthritis. It has been found in a number of studies that on having inflammation, people who have a genetic risk for rheumatoid arthritis can develop the disease earlier. You can seek medical help from the best doctor in Uttarpara regarding this.
- Certain rheumatoid arthritis drugs may increase your blood sugar.
Your risk of diabetes can increase due to some drugs used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Statins and steroids are some of them.
- Rheumatoid arthritis can prevent you from moving.
Your joints become stiff, swollen and painful due to rheumatoid arthritis. This decreases your will to exercise. There can be a risk of type 2 diabetes if you do not stay active. You will also put on weight if you remain inactive and being overweight increases the risk of diabetes.
