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About Diabetes & Massage

A relaxing massage can decrease anxiety, and this is especially important to people with diabetes. Stress hormones can interfere in the ability of the body to use insulin effectively, and when these counter-regulatory hormones are controlled by inducing relaxation, blood sugar can drop.

  1. Depression

    • Diabetes can be a debilitating disease, and the added stresses of daily monitoring and self medicating can increase the burden on the body. Diabetics are at risk for depression at a rate of four times the normal population. Massage will usually increase a person's feeling of well being; this, notwithstanding any positive medical effect on the diabetic, is reason enough to get pampered.

    Myofascial Effects

    • Connective tissue can be thickened by high blood sugars. Mobility and tissue elasticity may be increased by massage. Added mobility will also make it easier for the patient to stretch and exercise more effectively, another proven method of lowering blood sugar levels.

    Circulation

    • Elevated blood sugars can often impair the circulation of people with diabetes. Massage is a proven method to increase circulation of blood that carries oxygen and nutrients to the body. Improved circulation also improves the efficiency of insulin.

    Peripheral Neuropathy

    • Usually starting in the legs, a loss of feeling and sometimes pain can occur when excess blood sugar settles around nerves in the extremities. Deep-tissue massage in the area affected by peripheral neuropathy could cause injury, as the patient may not be able to feel pain, making it hard to judge the depth of the massage. A light massage, however, can improve circulation to the extremities, often relieving the symptoms.

    Damaged Blood Vessels

    • When diabetes is advanced, the blood vessels can be damaged by excess sugar. As the massage gets the blood circulating, the vessels could be damaged further by the extra blood being forced through. For patients with damaged blood vessels, it's always best to consult a doctor before getting a deep tissue massage.

    To Ensure Success

    • Massage, like any form of therapy, should be discussed with a health-care professional ahead of time when illness is present. All illnesses and injuries, along with any medication, should also be reviewed with the massage therapist. With proper communication, the therapist can adapt the massage to fit the client's medical needs.
      For diabetics who take insulin, it is a good idea to have juice or a snack handy, in case blood sugar levels go down during the session.

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