CDC looks at Diabetes and Arthritis.

The CDC back in 2005 and 2007 utilized date from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and found that the prevalence of arthritis in adults diagnosed with diabetes was 52 percent. The survey also indicated that the rate of physical inactivity was 28.9 percent in the diabetes with arthritis population vs. 21 percent of those with diabetes alone. This survey was also independent of age, sex or body mass (BMI).
The study emphasized that inactive people with diabetes who become more active benefit from improved glucose tolerance and increased physical function. The barriers faced by diabetics are just like all other physically inactive people: lack of time, competing responsibilities, lack of motivation and difficulty finding an enjoyable activity. The following are some fitness options that are low impact and can protect the already painful joints of arthritis:
1: Water exercises: more gyms and senior centers are offering pools for aqua aerobics and aqua cross-training. Water provides non-weightbearing environment which decreases the pull of gravity on the patient.
2: Recumbent bike: body positioning also decreases weightbearing on the foot, knees and lower back and is good at raising the heart rate for aerobic exercise.
3: Flat walking with light weights. Walking on surfaces that can provide some shock absorption (cork tracks, etc.) with supportive shoes is also a good means of getting physical activity.
4: Pilates: this exercise strengthens, stretches and tones the body to be better conditioned to handle weightbearing cardio activities.
There is another benefit to become more physically active. With the lack of physical activity, patients often will feel a level of depression. Some reasons may be due to a feeling of being handicapped, a feeling of remorse for their medical condition and a feeling of less-self-worth. Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins into the body increasing physiological sense of well being.

"The journey of life is taken one step at a time... none of them should be painful." G.M. Barclay, DPM, AACFAS