BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Arthritis strikes more than half of adults with diabetes, according to a U.S. government study in Friday's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

    The findings highlight a significant challenge for those trying to cope with the disease. Most diabetics are told they need to exercise to improve their health.

    The survey of nearly 800,000 people is the first extensive look at the overlap between the two conditions, said Dr. John Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation.

    The research, conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), indicates that more than 46 million American adults have arthritis, and 20.6 million suffer from diabetes. About 52 percent of adults who have diabetes also have arthritis.

    In the 45-64 age group, arthritis strikes 51.8 percent of people with diabetes and 36.4 percent of the general population. Arthritis afflicts 62.4 percent of diabetes patients 65 and older, vs. 56.2 percent of those without diabetes.

    "The prevalence of arthritis in a diabetic population is astoundingly high," said Klippel.

    "Over half the people with diabetes have arthritis. If in fact you have both conditions, you are quite unlikely to be physically active," he said.

    The research says that people who have diabetes or arthritis may choose to avoid physical activity because they are afraid of aggravating their conditions, and doctors need to ensure that they include physical fitness counseling as part of the care they provide to diabetic and arthritic patients.

    (Agencies)