There are many ways living with type 2 diabetes affects overall health—including joint health. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, especially in the knees. OA happens when the protective cushion between your bones wears down over time, leading to stiffness, pain, and swelling. For people managing diabetes, knee pain can make it harder to move, which can affect blood glucose (blood sugar) management and overall wellbeing.
Why OA Is More Common in People with Diabetes
Research shows that adults with diabetes are much more likely to develop OA than those without it. This may be because wear and tear with age, carrying extra weight, and having higher levels of inflammation can all strain the joints. People with diabetes also tend to report more severe knee pain and more areas of joint pain, even at younger ages and healthy weight ranges.
When pain limits movement, it becomes harder to stay active, which is one of the best ways to help manage blood glucose. Less movement can also raise the risk for heart disease, weight gain, and higher blood glucose levels. This creates a cycle where pain leads to less activity, which makes both OA and diabetes harder to manage.
Why Movement Matters
Gentle, regular movement helps your body in many ways. It keeps joints flexible, strengthens muscles, and helps your body use blood glucose for energy. Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to your joints and muscles, which can reduce inflammation and stiffness over time. Even a few minutes of walking, stretching, or swimming can ease discomfort and improve mood. If pain makes it difficult to move, a qualified exercise professional can show you safe, low-impact ways to stay active and improve mobility.
When you don’t move, joint pain and stiffness can get worse, making it harder to start again. Every bit of movement helps—whether that’s walking to the mailbox, gardening, or doing gentle chair exercises. Keep your body moving as much as you can without causing more pain.
Regular movement and balanced nutrition work together to help manage weight, which can reduce pressure on your knees and support healthy blood glucose levels. Even with these efforts, pain isn’t always something you can manage with lifestyle changes alone. When your joints hurt, even small activities can feel impossible. This is common for people with OA, especially in the knees, and there are safe ways to help ease the pain so you can move more comfortably again.
Managing Pain Safely
Knee OA is one of the most common causes of joint pain for adults and often becomes a long-lasting condition. In one survey, about 60% of people with knee OA reported living with pain for five years or more. For people who also have diabetes, joint pain can be even more severe. Ongoing pain can make movement difficult, which may lead to weight gain, higher blood glucose, and increased stiffness over time. Fortunately, there are safe ways to manage pain and improve movement.
Finding the best way to manage pain is important for anyone with OA and diabetes. If pain continues to limit what you can do, medical treatments may help you feel more comfortable, manage pain, and stay active.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—available over the counter or by prescription—may help reduce pain and swelling. However, long-term use can cause problems for your stomach, kidneys, or heart, so talk with your doctor before taking them regularly.
- Corticosteroid medications can reduce inflammation and pain, but when taken by mouth, they may raise blood glucose levels. Localized corticosteroid injections are given directly into the painful joint and act mainly where they are needed, and may have less impact on blood glucose. Ask your doctor if this type of treatment could help you stay active and more comfortable.
In some people, localized injections can ease pain for several weeks or months, helping them move more freely and stay active. Better pain control can make it easier to maintain an exercise routine, manage blood glucose, and improve overall quality of life.
Other medications are sometimes used for pain, but not all are effective or safe for people with OA. Opioid medications, for example, are not recommended for treating OA pain. Studies show they provide little relief and do not improve movement in the long term. They can also cause side effects that outweigh any short-term benefit.
Some people use over-the-counter pain relievers or topical treatments to ease discomfort. These may help in certain cases, but their safety and effectiveness can vary, especially for people with diabetes. It’s best to talk with your health care team before trying new medications or pain remedies.
If you notice changes in joint pain, stiffness, or movement, let your health care team know. Tracking these changes can help guide your treatment plan and keep both your joint health and blood glucose on track.
Treatment options for OA pain continue to evolve. Researchers continue to explore new treatments that may offer longer lasting pain relief with fewer effects on blood glucose. Talking with your doctor can help you stay informed and choose the approach that best fits your needs.
Working Together for Better Health
Living with both OA and diabetes means paying attention to more than one part of your health, and managing both works best when your health care providers work together to help you stay active, reduce pain, and keep your blood glucose in range. Your doctor, diabetes educator, and other health professionals can help you make a plan that fits your goals.
Keeping track of your symptoms, blood glucose levels, and activity can also help your care team see what’s working and where adjustments might be helpful. Together, you can find the right balance between managing joint pain and blood glucose levels.
The Bottom Line
OA and diabetes are both long-term conditions, but they don’t have to limit your life. Finding effective ways to manage pain can help you move more, feel better, and stay healthier overall. With the right plan and support, you can stay active and keep doing the things that matter most to you.
