Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful daily management. However, understanding Diabetes is always a major key component to living well with Diabetes. There are several types and I often hear clients confused as to which type of Diabetes they have.
Type 1 Diabetes. Is an auto-immune condition that can occur in young and teenage years but has also seen in older persons. In Type 1 the Pancreas which secretes the hormone Insulin stops producing Insulin. Insulin is an important part of our digestive system, which allows our bodies to up take glucose which provides energy to every cell in our body. People with type 1 require Insulin to be injected into their bodies frequently.
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to the Insulin produced by the pancreas which means again that the body can't uptake the important energy glucose to give cells the energy they need. Type 2 Diabetes can be improved with lifestyle modifications and medications. Often people need to also need to take injectable Insulin because their Insulin is of su
ch little efficacious. Often people think they have type 1 Diabetes, but that is not the case, as in Type 2 Diabetes modification of lifestyle can help. Please see this link for more information: Type 2 Diabetes | Diabetes Australia
How can Massage assist with Diabetes:
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Regardless, if one suffers from Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, one's blood glucose needs close monitoring. The importance of this is to prevent complications of Diabetes most related to the microcirculation changes due to blood glucose levels which can create many complications. To read more please visit: Preventing Diabetes Complications | Diabetes Australia
Microcirculation changes can also cause a condition called Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). This reduces blood supply to feet of those with Diabetes and puts people at risk of amputations and infections to the feet. DPN also creates a change to sensation to the feet of the sufferer and ironically can increase nerve pain which can decrease the quality of life for those with Diabetes. Massage can increase the blood supply to the feet for those with DPN and whilst it can't claim to stop DPN it can help with some symptoms.
Massage can also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases stress response, and this can reduce blood glucose levels.
Should you be interested in further information please read here: Hyperglycemia – symptoms, risks and management - Diabetes Australia
Always talk with your health professional if you think massage may be pertinent for you.
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