RA and diabetes | Arthritis Information

bob

Hi Bob, and welcome to this very special place. I don't have diabetes, so can't help you, but I think there are one or two or here that have both, or indications of it anyway.

I have just read this little article about a genetic link between Diabetes and RA. You might be interested.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33 594

Take Care
Welcome. I'm being checked for Diabetes at present. There is a connection because they are both autoimmune diseases and being on prednisone, having a higher weight, higher blood pressure all increase your risks. There are quite a few of us who are experiencing neuropathy much like that associated with diabetes. I think you will find that you will have plenty of company here and maybe be able to help some of the rest of us as well. Bob,
I've been diabetic for 40 years, on an insulin pump for the last 20, I got RA 20 years ago. When my RA started getting worse, I've been on MTX for 16 years, my dr. said I could always try Pred., but he didn't want me to, because of making the diabetes harder to control. But I had a terrible flare a year ago, Enbrel didn't work and it didn't seem like the Remicade was either so in desperation I asked for Pred., it worked wonders. Took about 2 weeks for my blood sugar to sky rocket, but I adjusted the pump and I was on 10mg Pred all summer and then weened myself off, been off since Dec., can actually see the veins in my hands again. During the flare I was also on 1000mg Naproxin, I'm back to 3 Aleve if I'm having a bad day, but the MTX(7 pills/wk) and Remicade seem to be holding their own. My highest A1C was 6.5 through the Pred. period. You will find lots of good advice on this site. I finally asked my Dr. for the Pred. because of what I read on this board, so I hope you can find some helpful information here too. It takes awhile for the MTX to start to work.
DeidreType 1 or Juvenile Diabetes is considered autoimmune; type 2 which is often called adult onset diabetes is not. Prednisone can cause type 2 diabetes. The inactivity/weight gain that often comes with RA can also cause it.

Why can't a diabetic take nsaids? Because nsaids are hard on the kidneys too? (I know type 2 diabetics with OA who depend on nsaids for pain control.)

I would investigate this further - nsaids really help get rid of that dreadful stiffness and some of the pain, too.