Pregnancy brings with it a long list of things that you’re entitled to such as pickles an ice cream and nightly back massages. Although pregnancy is a temporary state, the implication is clear: you deserve a little extra TLC while your body does some hard, hard work. The same is true of diabetes patients.

Diabetes Patients and TLC

Diabetes patients can get the brush off. Some doctors are harsh and unforgiving, regarding Type 2 as a punishment for less than ideal eating habits, while others simply gloss over the notion that your body will require a little extra love and attention to operate at its best.

Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that requires careful handling and management. A single snack can throw off your blood sugar for hours while a consistent inability to manage your symptoms can wreak havoc for years. Rather than treating your body as a frustrating machine with malfunctioning parts, consider treating it carefully, the way you might treat an intricate device’s inner workings or a beloved family heirloom.

Why Foot Rubs?

In keeping with the notion that tender, loving care should be at the forefront of every diabetic’s mind, consider starting with a nightly foot massage. The massage does not have to be long or drawn out, nor does it have to have all of the bells and whistles. With five minutes and a handful of oil, you can soothe the muscles in your feet, improve your circulation, and keep a wary eye on any areas growing numb or tingly.

You or a loved one can complete a nightly foot massage. If you do have a loved one massage your feet, make sure you pay careful attention to the depth and breadth of the strokes, as neuropathy can make it difficult to tell if a sensation is painful or not.

If you are taking on the task yourself, massage the soles of your feet with the pads of your thumb, enlisting the help of oil. Thin skin caused by aging, neuropathy, and dryness can bruise and tear easily, so skipping oil comes with some risk.

Home VS Professional Massage

A nightly foot rub is a simple bedtime ritual that will keep you in closer contact with your feet and will help you stay apprised of any changes to your lower limbs such as an outbreak of sores, trouble with dryness, or even enlarged or inflamed veins. In addition to a nightly rub, you may want to consider enlisting a professional.

A professional foot massage is not going to be something you complete each night but may be beneficial to add to your routine once or twice per month. With a professional massage (under your doctor’s go-ahead), you may notice increased circulation, increased relaxation, and decreased inflammation and swelling.

Whichever avenue you choose (or if you choose both), regular foot massage serves the dual purpose of giving your body some extra love and attention while attending to limbs prone to nerve damage and circulation loss.