Improving blood circulation or blood flow is important in certain conditions – diabetes is one of them.
About Diabetes
The website www.medicalnewstoday.com gives comprehensive and useful information about diabetes. Here we condense some of the information in order to give an overview, while highlighting the importance of good blood circulation, exercise and foot care.
The diabetic person needs to be aware and very co-operative in the successful management of diabetes, in order to limit complications and the debilitating effects of the disease.
Complications
High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and narrow them through atherosclerosis. Damage means poor supply of blood to nerves, leading to possible neuropathy. Symptoms include tingling, burning and numbness. Nerve damage can cause skin changes – dryness, cracking and peeling.
Poor circulation means infections and wounds heal less readily. Diabetic ulcers are caused by a combination of arterial blockage and nerve damage. When nerves are damaged, feeling and sensation are impaired, rubbing and pressure are not felt and responded to, and so damage is done and ulcers are formed. Venous ulcers may respond to stimulation of the venous return, while arterial ulcers may require surgery to relieve narrowing of the arteries. See www.dermnetnz.org
Complications of diabetes – neuropathy, ulcers, gangrene – occur most commonly in the feet.
Management and Control
Exercise and physical activity are key elements in managing diabetes – firstly to maintain cardiovascular health, secondly to promote optimal blood circulation, and thirdly to control weight gain. Unfortunately, damage to nerves and blood vessels may inhibit activity, which aggravates the problems. It is therefore advisable to start exercise programs or increase physical activities, such as walking or hiking, early on.
Commitment is a personal thing, but Soft Steps can help you feel comfortable, able and keen to move! The unique design and flexibility play a dual role in relieving pressure in the vulnerable parts of the foot, such as below the bony areas, and stimulating the blood circulation and venous return. An increase of 15 to 20% in blood flow may be achieved. This is vital to a diabetic.
The gentle flex movement of the Soft Steps means nerve endings are stimulated too. In the early stages of neuropathy this can bring tremendous relief.
Although all diabetic treatment should be medically supervised and approved, over the years we have proved Soft Steps to have very positive benefits for diabetics, especially in the early stages of the disease. See our website for more technical details on how the product can work for you in many varied ways.
