If you’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, then you are probably going through a wide array of emotions at this point. On one hand, you are probably grateful to have at least found out what is going on with you. With the correct treatment, the chances are that you are already feeling much better.
However, you may have also found out that with this condition, you’ll need to make certain changes to your lifestyle. This is likely when it creeps in on you: can you still get foot massages now that you have been diagnosed? Well, you will find out the answer to that as you keep reading the article.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most known types of diabetes, a condition that leads to insulin failure within the body. The most common symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes are excessive thirst, excessive urination, continuous fatigue and lethargy, and the improper functioning of the lower limbs. More severe symptoms can also include vascular and kidney problems, as well as vision challenges.
Those that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will also find out that they have blood sugar that is higher than normal – mostly because the insulin is no longer working in the way that it should. Because of this, the sugar will not be entering your cells – therefore, remaining in your blood.
Sadly, diabetes cannot be cured once it is triggered – at least not with today’s technology. Still, with the correct treatment plan and a good lifestyle, the condition may be kept under control.
Why Would Your Legs Be Affected?
Here we have the hundred-dollar question: what does diabetes have to do with your feet? Well, since diabetes can also put your blood circulation at risk, every cut that you get can put your body at risk. The longer a cut remains open, the more it becomes prone to infection – leading to even more serious conditions. All from a serious paper cut.
And where do we tend to get most injuries? Around the legs, obviously. We fall, we scrape our feet – we put pressure on our legs from the simple act of walking. Needless to say, since our legs are pretty much affected by everything, this faulty blood circulation and improper nerve ending can greatly affect our feet. The injury will not be able to heal quickly enough, leading to even more serious conditions.
Are Foot Massages Safe?
Considering that you now know how your nerve connection and blood circulation is affected, you cannot help but wonder if these foot massages will do more harm than good. To put it in simple terms, while it is normal to ask these questions, here is the answer: not only can you get a foot massage, but you should get a foot massage.
Massages can improve blood circulation, making it the recommended course of treatment for those suffering from type 2 diabetes. If you only did it as relaxation before, without medically needing it, now you really need to add it to your lifestyle.
This type of massage is not necessarily to be done by a professional; even a family member can learn to provide you a standard foot massage from the comfort of your own home. Even without the massaging skills, they can easily use a foot massager. Since the massage will put the circulation in your feet in motion, you will no longer have to worry that the wound won’t be healing quickly enough.
By combining this with the proper diet and lifestyle, you may limit the symptoms associated with diabetes – making the condition much more manageable. That being said, considering that people may react differently to foot massages, here are some safety precautions that you may want to keep in mind:
- Talk to the masseuse and tell them about your conditions before you have the massage. Explain what treatment plan you are on.
- If you believe that your blood sugar levels are low, you should stop the massage immediately.
- Ask your doctor if they can recommend someone in giving foot massages for diabetic people.
- Check your glucose levels around 1-2 hours after finishing the massage.
- Don’t get a foot massage if you are not feeling up to it.
As a diabetic requesting for a foot massage, you should always talk matters with your doctor.
Benefits of a Foot Massage for Diabetics
At this point, we know that a foot massage is quite safe for diabetics. It’s actually recommended. But what are the other advantages brought by a foot massage? Well, here is why such a massage is good for anyone in this condition.
- If a foot massage is received on a regular basis, it can help level the glucose in your blood.
- It can increase the circulation in your body, therefore improving the way in which the glucose is absorbed in the cells.
- It offers relief from symptoms that are often associated with type 2 diabetes.
- It also reduces the symptoms commonly associated with diabetic neuropathy.
- It lowers the sensitivity often caused by the small nerve damage in your feet.
- It helps improve nerve functionality, along with improving sensation.
- It lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
- It can limit the damage caused by diabetes if you mix it with the right lifestyle.
Doctors recommend that you should receive a foot massage at least every few days, and in a month, you should be able to see the results. Plus, not only does it help you physically, but it can be a psychical help as well. Most people immediately feel better after a foot massage.
Final Thoughts
Foot massages are not only allowed in people with type 2 diabetes, but they are also highly recommended. They can improve your circulation and over time, level your glucose levels, aiding the treatment given by your doctor to control your symptoms.
