People suffering from diabetes are prone to nerve compression syndromes, prolonged gripping or direct nerve compression during weight training, cycling, running, jumping and other activities.

Long-term elevations of blood sugar can cause oxidative stress, damage and structural changes in joints. It may also cause imbalances between strength and flexibility around joints…, for example, quadriceps versus hamstrings.

Some studies suggest Type 1 diabetes might have an impact on young athletes’ performance as a result of dramatic changes in blood sugar levels. It is also associated with heart disease. Hypoglycemia is a condition which can cause dip in blood sugar levels. Physical activity itself is also one of the factors which can cause a dip in blood sugar levels.

Regular exercise can have a beneficial effect on people with diabetes however intense physical activity can make glycemic control challenging. Also sensation of pain diminishes in people suffering from diabetes.  A person with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin and the condition is treated with daily insulin injections.

Daily insulin injections can cause micro-traumas in the skin and it is likely to become a chronic issue. If insulin is injected into the same spot too regularly lipohypertrophy can occur as a result of accumulation of fatty, tough lumps underneath of the skin. Massage can help to alleviate this but also injection sites should be rotated as a preventive measure.

Regular massage will be able to improve the condition of that tissue which is not in the acute phase.

Also, it may help to improve the condition of an individual suffering from diabetes due to the following reasons:

Sports massage improves blood circulation and tissue fluid, eradicates pain, releases tension on affected tissues and decreases muscle hypertonicity. It may also help to restore balance between those muscles around those joints affected by long-term elevations of blood sugar, improving their ROM (range of motion). Weak muscles can be strengthened and, at the same time, shortened muscles can be lengthened and stretched.

For more information contact us on 0203 659 2711 or email us on info@highgateholisticclinic.com