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Diabetes & Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), otherwise known as osteoarthritis, is mainly caused by the inflammation and eventual breakdown or loss of the cartilage of the joints. While this condition is generally related to aging, it is commonly observed among people with diabetes.

  1. Nature

    • DJD is a slow-progressing disease that commonly affects the hands, knee, hips and other weight-bearing joints of the body. Primary osteoarthritis, or primary DJD, is mostly related to aging, which causes the protein makeup of the cartilage to degenerate.

    Effects of Diabetes

    • Though secondary DJD results from repeated trauma or surgery, hormone disorders and congenital abnormalities, diabetes is the more common cause of this condition.

    Risks with Diabetes

    • According to livestrong.com, adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have higher risks of developing DJD. The prevalence of diabetes is parallel to the prevalence of obesity. As both conditions worsen, the risk of developing DJD increases.

    Impact to Population

    • A study published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention concludes that half of all the adults with diabetes suffer some form of arthritis. Of the 46 million people suffering arthritis, 26 million of them are diabetic.

    Conclusion

    • The connection between diabetes and degenerative joint disease is independent of age, sex and body mass index.

    Other Information

    • Section 1.04 of Social Security Disability's listing of impairments includes osteoarthritis, otherwise known as degenerative joint disease, as a claim for disability. Disability Determination Services is the agency that approves or denies such claims.

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