Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects the body’s ability to absorb carbohydrates. This results in glucose (digested carbohydrates) remaining in the blood instead of getting into the cells of the body to provide energy. The result is low energy levels, muscle weakness, excess weight and other complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Fortunately, Type-2 diabetes, the more common type, can be controlled with proper nutrition, medication and physiotherapy.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, therefore by embarking on a physiotherapy program, the body’s metabolism is speeded up and more glucose finds its way into the cells, instead of being flushed out of the body via urine. Other benefits of physiotherapy at Action Plus Physiotherapy are:

• Weight loss, which increases the body’s ability to use insulin
• Improved muscle strength
• Increased bone density
• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase in HDL (good) cholesterol which has a significant impact on controlling heart disease.
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved balance and posture prevents falls which can be detrimental to diabetics

You may be thinking that you can receive these benefits from any exercise program, but that may not be the case. Diabetes is an illness that requires careful monitoring, therefore certain precautions must be taken during exercise. If your blood sugar or blood pressure is too high, exercise may be contraindicated. In some people increased activity can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia), with serious results. In all these instances, your physiotherapist at Action Plus Physiotherapy is trained to observe your reactions during therapy and exercise and take the necessary precautions.

Another serious complication of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy or loss of sensation in the extremities. Many people suffering from this condition may not be aware of stepping on sharp objects, or they may wear soft slippers for comfort. We will teach you how to examine your feet for signs of blisters which can lead to sores. We will also instruct you on the type of footwear to use to prevent poor circulation and avoid being stuck with sharp objects.

Physiotherapy for diabetes takes a holistic approach to treatment, therefore your safety and wellbeing are our primary concern. You can control your diabetes with some help. We are located in Lane Cove; come in and see us today.