Diabetes Management [Infographic]

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body either produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin or does not respond normally to insulin. Insulin enables the cells of the body to take in glucose from the blood to use as energy. With diabetes, the inability of cells to respond to insulin properly leads to too much sugar (glucose) building up in the blood and causing hyperglycemia which can harm the cells of the body.  In the United States, 34.2 million people have diabetes (10.5% of the population). Eighty-eight million people aged 18 and over are pre-diabetic, comprising 34.5% of the U.S. adult population.

There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is common in children and young adults and occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells, while Type 2 diabetes is avoidable and can occur at any age, developing when cells become insulin resistant, and the pancreas produces insufficient insulin to overcome the resistance. The third type is gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• Slow-healing sores

• High blood pressure

• Frequent infections of the gums, skin, vagina, and bladder

• Unexpected weight loss

• Increase thirst and frequent urination

• Constant hunger

• Fatigue and weakness

• Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands

• Blurred vision

• Pain in joints and muscles

• Cramping or pain in legs or limping when walking

• Chronic pain

Physical therapy can help diabetic patients manage the condition and improve their physical fitness, mobility, and balance through a customized exercise program.  Exercise is considered a cornerstone to managing diabetes and achieving optimized blood glucose levels. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients while also improving functional capacity, mobility, and circulation, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing blood pressure. Exercise also reduces other health risks associated with diabetes like heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Studies have shown that the greatest improvement in glycemic control was when diabetic patients combined resistance training and aerobic exercise. Exercising under the guidance of a physical therapist helps the patient learn how their body responds to exercise in a safe environment and builds endurance, fitness, and mobility gradually. It’s important that the patient track the blood sugar level before, during, and after exercise to monitor levels and assess exercise’s impact on blood sugar levels in real-time.

Physical therapy treatment for diabetes can include a graded, progressive aerobic exercise program, strengthening exercises with resistance bands and weights, stretching to improve muscle flexibility, balance and coordination training to prevent falls, chronic pain treatment, foot pain assessment and strengthening, and a home exercise program.

Diabetes is a long-term condition that requires consistent monitoring and management. Physical therapists can help you effectively manage your diabetes through a safe, effective, and specialized exercise program.