How can physical therapy help diabetes?

In the United States it is estimated that there are 32 million people over the age of 18 with diabetes, either diagnosed or undiagnosed. This is a condition that without careful management can lead to serious complications.

So, what is Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugars are higher than they should be. The sugar in your blood gives your cells the energy they need. Insulin is the hormone, created by your pancreas, that allows the glucose, or sugar, from your food to be used by your cells.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1, the more serious of the two, occurs when insulin production is impaired. Patients with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin to survive. Type 2 diabetes, also referred to as adult-onset diabetes, happens when the cells stop responding to the insulin as well as they once did. The body is still producing insulin, it’s just not performing as effectively. 

Having diabetes can increase your risk of developing other health conditions, like heart and kidney disease. It can also lead to other complications like nerve damage. Foot problems are a common issue in people with diabetes. Because too much sugar in your blood can affect your blood circulation, and damage nerve endings, the hands, and feet are at risk. 

How can physical therapy help?

Besides taking supplementary insulin, and other lifestyle changes you might need to make, physical therapy can help you manage some diabetes symptoms. Physical therapists can develop a tailored program based on the body parts being affected by your diabetes. Your therapist may decide to include aerobic conditioning and a program of strengthening and stretching, which can help improve circulation. If the patient has a foot condition, specific footwear can be recommended to improve weight distribution. Exercises can be done, with the help of a physical therapist, that can help improve blood sugar control.

We, at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy, understand the effects diabetes can have on the body. We can provide treatment to help manage your symptoms of diabetes and treat some of the conditions it causes! Being proactive in the treatment of your diabetes can help prevent more serious complications. To find out how we can help, call us today to schedule a consultation! 

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.