One of the greatest enemies of diabetes is poor circulation. While a healthy individual might not experience a lot of difficulties when dealing with poor circulation, the myriad of other health concerns that arise from diabetes makes poor circulation a particularly worrisome component of this disease.

A diabetes diagnosis does not have to mean you will suffer from poor circulation nor is it a condition to take lightly. Instead, stay proactive and engaged to ward off poor circulation and improve your chances of avoiding injury in the future.

5 Ways to Improve Circulation

#1. Complete Small Exercises

While exercising is a given, it is often the most trivial exercises that can have the biggest impact. Rather than making broad, sweeping movements with your arms or legs, the best exercise for circulation is walking, swimming, etc.—any movement that engages your legs and keeps them in motion. Circling your wrists and ankles can also help, as can flexing and pointing your toes.

Keeping movement in your arms and legs is absolutely essential in making sure your circulation is at its best. If you work at a seated job, for instance, be sure to stand up, walk around, or just do some simple movements to make sure your blood is not pooling or halting.

#2. Avoid Ice

Warmth is going to help your body’s circulatory processes, so try to avoid drinking iced or ice-cold beverages. These can provide a shock to your body and are not necessarily more refreshing than room-temperature beverages. To steer clear of ice, opt for either room temperature or warm drinks.

#3. Dress Warmly

Keeping your body warm will help stimulate and encourage blood flow. If you feel cold, make sure to cover yourself. When you go out, don’t forget to bring a pair of socks or a cardigan with you to layer on in case you grow cold and always dress to suit the weather.

#4. Limit Your Salt Intake

Salt can cause bloating and ineffective circulation, so feeding your body full of fresh herbs and vegetables is better than a massive amount of salt.

#5. Lift Your Feet

Finally, take a load off! As much as possible, keep your feet elevated and give your body a chance to rest. Resting your limbs will help improve circulation and lifting your legs, specifically, will allow the blood in your legs and feet moving instead of pooling or thickening.