Scherzer ZA, Alvarez C, Renner JB, et al. - In the present study, the researchers sought to investigate the course of hand osteoarthritis (HOA) and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes (DM). Data from 845 Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project candidates (two-thirds women, one-third African Americans, mean age 60 yrs) with and without HOA, CVD, or DM were obtained at 3 timepoints. A Kellgren-Lawrence severity grade of ≥ 2 in at least 3 joints in each hand was required for a radiographic HOA (rHOA) diagnosis. According to results, DM participants (vs those without DM) were more likely to experience worsening pain with rHOA. Overall, the risk of symptomatic and functional improvement over time was diminished by getting or developing DM and/or CVD, indicating an influence of comorbid CVD and DM on HOA's clinical and radiographic course. To confirm these results, additional studies are required.