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Managing Diabetes Through Physical Therapy
If you’re among the nearly 30 million Americans who have been diagnosed with diabetes, then you understand the challenges of living with this chronic disease. Monitoring and managing your blood sugar levels can be a constant interference on your everyday activities. Many diabetics rely on medicine (insulin injections) to control their symptoms, while some take advantage of the benefits that come from regular physical activity.
However, very few diabetics understand that seeing a physical therapist regularly can actually help control blood sugar levels, so you don’t have to rely solely on medicine to keep this condition in check! First, let’s examine the two types of diabetes.
A Closer Look at the Disease
Type 1 Diabetes
Diagnosed in children and young adults, Type 1 diabetes develops in people who have been born with a cell deficiency of the pancreas. When the cells of this organ are unable to produce insulin, it becomes impossible to keep blood sugar levels regulated without medical intervention. Your insulin doses, a regulated diet and some form of physical activity are critical to properly managing Type 1 diabetes. Roughly five percent of the American diabetic community has Type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes
Often developing as the result of human behavior, Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age. It occurs when cells become insulin-resistant and the pancreas is unable to produce enough new cells in response. The most common form of diabetes, Type 2 can arise as the result of poor eating habits, lack of exercise or genetic history. Although the symptoms can be reduced, people who once had Type 2 diabetes must continue to regulate their diet and exercise often to avoid having to restart insulin injections.
Why Should I See a PT for Diabetes?
A diabetes diagnosis is life changing; suddenly you’re forced to continuously check your blood sugar levels and regulate your diet as needed. You now need to reconsider common indulgences like going out for ice cream with friends or taking a spontaneous trip without packing insulin and appropriate snacks. At Integrated Rehab, we don’t believe you should take on the challenge of managing your diabetes alone. Our physical therapists are well-versed in exercise prescription and will work collaboratively with your physician to monitor your insulin levels as well as other health conditions that may impact your rehabilitation. Our expertise can help spot warning signs that might indicate a larger problem with your health that is contributing to the condition. We have found that for most patients, it is safest to be monitored by a professional, especially when there is a risk of lowering your blood sugar too much. Although you may not reverse your diabetes, we have seen patients lose weight and manage their symptoms more effectively through physical therapy, oftentimes eliminating the need for insulin.
Developing an Exercise Plan
Our physical therapists can assist in devising and implementing an individualized workout regimen that is safe for you. To accomplish this, we will have you complete a physical assessment to test your joints, overall strength and aerobic capacity. If you suffer from diabetic nerve pain, which most commonly occurs in the legs and feet, your physical therapist will accommodate your pain level by altering your therapeutic exercise program.
Implementing the Plan
In our experience, we have found that an average of three visits a week is most beneficial for our diabetic patients. Sessions generally last 30 to 50 minutes, during which you may be challenged to work at 50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate, depending on your overall condition. The sessions may include aerobic exercises, such as walking and cycling, and strength training through weight lifting.
These types of activities help improve your:
- Glucose insensitivity
- Glucose uptake
- Cholesterol
- A1C counts
- Oxygen and metabolic function
It is important for those with either type of diabetes to be closely monitored during exercise in case of any sudden health complications. Snacks and juice are always on hand in case your blood sugar drops too low.
Finding the right diet and exercise plan is crucial to the health of our patients with diabetes. Rather than managing the disease on your own, trust our physical therapists to work with your healthcare team to devise an individualized plan for you. Contact us today!