This chronic condition changes how your body turns food into energy which results in your body not making enough natural insulin or not using the insulin it makes the way that it should. Over time, this causes a build up of too much blood sugar in your system. Prolonged exposure to too much blood sugar causes damage to the soft tissue in your body which results in many health issues such heart problems, blindness, and kidney disease.
This November, it’s vital to focus on ways to manage diabetes or help your loved ones who suffer from this chronic condition. The best way to manage this condition is to focus on diet and activity levels. Choosing foods that are low in sugar and scheduling in regular exercise are very important to managing your diabetes. However, did you know that massage may also help with the management of this condition? Let’s discuss some ways that massage can help manage diabetes symptoms.
1. Massage may help to decrease blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels.
In 2019 a group of studies pointed to a link between regular full-body massage and a lower blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels. While the exact cause of this is still being studied, it’s theorized that one of the reasons why this happened was thanks to increased blood flow and circulation. When you get a massage, it allows for a more efficient transportation of nutrients in your blood throughout your body. It’s possible that this improved circulation my also encourage your cells to absorb insulin in a more normal way. It’s important to still follow all directions given to you by your general physician when working to manage your diabetes. On top of that, though, regularly scheduling a full body massage may help ease some of the symptoms and encourage your body to respond to insulin better. When paired with other methods of managing your diabetes, such as a good diet and regular exercise, massage therapy can go a long way to supporting your long term health.
2. Massage may improve the pain caused by peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is the feeling of weakness, numbness, or pain in your hands and feet as a result of damage to the nerves outside of your spinal cord. These nerves, called peripheral nerves, are damaged because of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. This is why so many diabetics suffer from feelings of pain and discomfort in their hands and feet. Regular foot and hand massages, however, can stimulate those parts of the body and encourage regular blood floor to your extremities. The pain and discomfort caused by this issue are lessened as your muscles are loosened by massage. This means less pressure on the nerves that have been damaged, and less discomfort for you. Massages can also impact your mobility, helping to restore some movement that may have been lost thanks to peripheral neuropathy. On top of all of that, massages relax your body and help your brain release endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. It’s a good idea to schedule a regular foot or hand massage for anyone who suffers from pain and discomfort in their limbs due to peripheral neuropathy.
3. Massage decreases stress which helps relieve many diabetic symptoms.
When you are stressed, your body makes more stress hormones, which can impact your blood glucose levels. This means that more stress makes it harder to control your diabetes. This can cause a vicious cycle. As you are stressed, your diabetes is harder to manage. Because your diabetes is not being managed, you experience more stress. That’s why it’s important to find ways to manage your stress. One of the things that massage is best at is reducing stress. A good massage encourages your entire body to relax, which loosens muscles and encourages better blood circulation. Reduced stress leads to better health in general, but it can be even more important for diabetics.
Diabetes is a long-term condition that requires a partnership between yourself and your health care professionals. Massage may not be a replacement for traditional diabetic care, but it can be a good addition to your treatment plan. It’s also very good for treating symptoms of the condition while reducing stress. To begin incorporating massage therapy into your life, start by contacting The BrickHouse to set up an appointment with our talented staff. Contact us today!
