ATLANTA -- A new government study finds that more than half of adult diabetics also have arthritis.

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.

Diabetics who exercise are better able to control their blood sugar and are at a much lower risk of complications from heart disease. But one researcher said the new study suggests many diabetics see themselves as unable to exercise because of arthritis and become unwilling to try.

More than 46 million Americans have some form of arthritis, and nearly 21 million have diabetes. Other research indicates exercise is important in managing both conditions.

One of the study's co-authors recommends exercise that puts less stress on joints, such as walking, biking and aquatics.

Additional Resources:

• The CDC publication
• The Arthritis Foundation