Massagers might seem like a purely beneficial product and in almost all cases they are, but as with any device that comes into contact with your body, there are certain exceptions.
One of the most notable is where a potential user has a pre-existing medical condition. This can cover physical injuries, such as lacerations, or a broken bone, and chronic conditions such as heart problems or diabetes.
In all these instances advice from a medical professional should be sought, however, there are some questions in relation to this subject which have already been answered. One of those questions is ‘Are Foot Massagers Good For Diabetics?’ and in this article, we are going to explain why the answer is, ‘Yes.’
What is Diabetes?
Before we go into detail it should help those of you who are not familiar with diabetes and what it entails, if we cover some basics of the condition. We should actually say ‘conditions’ because diabetes comes in two main types, namely, type 1 and type 2.
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Type 1 diabetes is a condition which often is present in someone from birth, which is why it is sometimes called ‘childhood’ diabetes, although that does not mean an adult cannot be diagnosed with it. The condition means that your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that regulates the level of glucose in our blood.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the person’s pancreas may still produce insulin, but the insulin does not work properly. This can lead to the pancreas overworking and becoming less and less able to produce insulin.
The onset of type 2 diabetes can often be the result of poor diet, excess body fat and often occurs in middle age, although it can occur at any age.
Treatment of Diabetes
Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetes is a condition which is irreversible and is something which the person suffering from it, will have for the rest of their life. This is often also the case with type 2 diabetes, although there are numerous examples of people changing their diet and losing weight with the result that their body’s ability to control blood glucose levels returns to normal.
The treatment any individual has will depend on the severity of their condition. At the less serious levels a change in diet and reducing the intake of foods with high levels of sugar producing carbohydrates, will be enough. Sometimes the person may also need to take medication in tablet form.
Ultimately, if these do not work insulin injections will be required, along with medication that helps the injected insulin to work effectively.
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Side Effects
The longer someone is diabetic, the greater the risk that they will suffer from some of the side effects it can induce. These include heart conditions, hearing impairment, eye damage, kidney damage, sleep apnea, and nerve damage, or neuropathy to give it proper term.
Neuropathy reduces the feeling that someone has via their nerves and this is especially so at the extremes of their body.
One area which is particularly at risk is the feet. This can lead to several complications such as constant pain, a cut to the foot that is not felt, and it becomes infected, and at its most extreme can actually lead to the amputation of a foot or leg.
Combatting Neuropathy in the Feet
While medication as part of someone’s diabetic treatment regime may include something to help combat foot neuropathy, there are other ways that can stop it becoming serious. Obviously good blood sugar control is vital and checking one’s feet regularly will identify any issues quickly.
One of the best ways to combat foot neuropathy is to stimulate the blood flow in the feet. Any form of exercise where you are moving around, or even better, running, can help.
Given the title of this article, it goes without saying that massaging feet for someone who is diabetic is also a fantastic way to promote their health and reduce neuropathy.
Why Massagers are Good for Diabetics
The reason neuropathy occurs is that the nerve ends get damaged due to high blood sugar levels. By massaging them you do many things that can help not only deal with neuropathy but your overall health.
First, massaging stimulates blood flow and if blood flow is increased it helps your body’s cells consume glucose, and thus insulin can work more effectively. Increased blood flow in your feet also reduces the risk of blood clots. For those diabetics with varicose veins, increased blood circulation can improve their appearance.
Massaging can also restore some nerve function thanks to the stimulation that the massage gives your foot and the nerves therein. These chances of complications such as foot ulcers are also reduced if you regularly massage your feet.
Finally, we must not overlook the fact that a soothing and relaxing foot massage puts you in a much calmer frame of mind, and that will benefit your entire body, including your feet.
