Anyone afflicted with diabetes has a crucial need to consider every possibility within reach for increasing muscle mass and keeping that muscle tissue well toned. That is a tall order for anyone suffering from the vicious and devastating effects of diabetes; someone ill and weakened by this disease. But even short, ten minute walks after meals will go a long way in keeping the devastating effects of diabetes at bay. This is because the food we eat is converted in the body into glucose, the primary source of energy for the brain, the nervous system, and the muscles. The muscle cells themselves take up the lion's share of the blood sugar released. A full 80% of the blood sugar released immediately following a meal is utilized by the muscle cells. This makes muscle tissue crucial in balancing blood sugar levels. In other words, we need muscle. Lots of it. Allowing your musculature to atrophy as it is replaced with fat leads straight down the path to diabetes.
To reduce the advance of diabetes dramatically, increasing muscle mass needs to be the first consideration of anyone afflicted with diabetes. This is a very important, and effective way of controlling blood sugar, and the exercise to accomplish this end has a great many other benefits as well. Exercise will raise metabolism, increase insulin sensitivity, and get rid of toxins.
Peripheral neuropathy can be a very serious complication of diabetes. Should this condition occur, the diabetic patient can expect pain, ulcers, wounds that won't heal, and restricted circulation in the lower extremities leading to the need for amputation of one or both legs. Which is why increasing muscle mass needs to be the first consideration of anyone afflicted with diabetes.
Many afflicted with diabetes are unable to engage in even the mildest form of exercise, Many are already suffering from peripheral neuropathy. In cases such as this, foot massage therapy devised by a neuromuscular therapist can go a long way in keeping the surgeon's knife at bay as well as just generally improving the health and well being of diabetes sufferers. Here the reflex points in the feet are utilized to stimulate appropriate organ functions and alleviate the effects of diabetes.
This foot reflexology is simple to perform and has no known side effects. It can be done easily by the patient, without any specialized equipment. Since high blood glucose is mostly caused by a defect in carbohydrate or glucose metabolism, these problems can often be resolved by stimulating the reflex points of the appropriate organs.
Minor defects in the pancreas, liver, small intestine, muscular system, or other glandular systems can also cause diabetes and massaging the reflex points of the endocrine system is always a recommendation any therapist would make. Many patients have tried these methods of dealing with diabetes, finding enormously welcome relief from otherwise painful and debilitating symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Massage in any form will increase circulation, and this encourages the efficient transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Improved circulation very effectively improves cellular insulin uptake.
The benefits of any kind of massage at all extend to relaxation, and particularly with diabetics, this cannot be underestimated. The psychological stresses of a diabetic patient are enormous, with the constant need to self medicate and monitor on a daily basis, coupled with the extreme burden diabetes puts on the body as a whole. With massage, the diabetes patient will get a release of endorphins, calming the nervous system and reducing the stress hormones.
Coupled with a good exercise program and an efficient stretching routine, increased mobility and muscle elasticity can be realized. Foot reflexology because of its simplicity of application, and because the patient can do this alone and at home, with devices commonly available around the house, is a superb way of getting started
Author Information:
Mary Wetherill graduated at the top of her class as a Neuromuscular Therapist and Certified Massage Therapist. She is the owner of Mobile Therapeutic Massage Services of Northern NJ. Mary has worked at the U.S. Open, created rehabilitation programs for FBI agents and for terminally ill cancer patients. Get more information here!She will teach you how to alleviate diabetic pain and discomfort in just a few short days
Strongly recommended by LeQuadrillage.com Your internet omnibus to alternative, holistic, and integrative health options.
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