Diabetes is a condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. It can cause dramatic changes in your body and most commonly effects people in one of three ways – Type 1 which is a lifelong condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin; Type 2 (the most common in the UK) where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin properly; or Gestational Diabetes which develops during pregnancy. Although everyone is different, the most common physical side effects of diabetes are decreased blood circulation, high blood sugar and an overall sensitivity in your limbs.
Studies have shown that, along with making lifestyle changes including exercise and nutrition management, that massage can have a positive effect for people with diabetes. If applied correctly, sports massage has seen similar effects as exercise to people with diabetes and is a great way to compliment your current treatment plan. So how can massage be beneficial for those with diabetes?
The benefits of massage for all clients, regardless of whether they have diabetes or not, includes a release of tension; relaxation; reduce headaches and migraines; reduce blood pressure; assist with fluid drainage in limbs; lower anxiety and stress – the list goes on – but here are some benefits of massage which would especially benefit people with diabetes:
- Lowering anxiety & stress relief: Anxiety and stress is common in people with diabetes with all the treatment plans, diet and exercise planning, constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and it can cause changes to mental health too. According to diabetes.co.uk, “stress is known to negatively affect diabetes control and therefore reductions in stress may result in improved blood glucose levels“. Massage can help you to relax and relieve stress while giving yourself some time to focus on yourself;
- Increased blood flow: Massage improves circulation and can help your cells absorb insulin and actually retain it. With the arterial damage and circulatory effects of diabetes, especially in extremities, this is one of the most important benefits of massage therapy for people with diabetes;
- Lower glycemic index: Studies have shown that, if applied correctly, massage can help lower glucose levels to considerable amount and can help promote an adequate and effective delivery of insulin;
- Pain relief: Numbness and tingling in limbs associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) can be helped through massage and assist with any fluid build up in limbs or feet associated with diabetes;
- Increased range of motion: the sudden increase and decrease of blood sugar levels can put an uncomfortable strain on your body, causing connective tissue to thicken. Muscles, tendons and ligaments can become stiff and cause a decrease in your range of motion. Massage can help improve your flexibility and ease the tension in your muscles.
A qualified Sports Massage Therapist will be able to offer you advice and provide you with more information but one thing to remember, massage should not replace any medication and you should always consult your doctor if you are considering booking in for a massage. Stay hydrated before, during and after a massage and make sure you eat something before going to your treatment to avoid becoming hypoglycemic during massage.