November is National Diabetes Month:

Physical therapy and your overall health

What should you know about Diabetes?

• There are two different types: type 1 and type 2.
• Around 50% of people with type 2 diabetes do not experience any of the common symptoms of Diabetes.
• Diabetes is now considered a global epidemic.
• You could be at risk without knowing it.
• Diabetes is considered a risk factor for multiple different ailments including blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease.

What does physical therapy have to do with diabetes?

• Implementing an exercise regimen with a physical therapist can be beneficial, as physical activity has been shown to help regulate blood glucose levels. If you’re located in the Nassau County area, Park PT offers comprehensive physical therapy in Massapequa.
• A physical therapist can help create an exercise training regimen customized to you and your needs!
• Diabetes involves numerous complications– one of which is nerve damage which can wreak havoc on the extremities such as the fingers, toes, and limbs.
  • Physical therapy works wonders for patients with nerve damage, helping them to regain feeling in their limbs.
    • Massage therapy, aquatic therapy, and exercise are often used in treating diabetes mellitus patients (patients who have trouble storing energy from the food you eat).

What treatments are available for diabetes mellitus?

• Depending on what type of diabetes you have, treatments differ.
  • Type 2 diabetic patients can take medications to help control blood glucose levels, enact dietary changes, and implement exercise into their daily routine. When medications fail, insulin treatment is then used.
  • Type 1 diabetic patients can manage their condition with proper nutrition, exercise, and insulin.
• When complications arise, several different treatments can be implemented depending on the specific complication. For example, if a patient has peripheral neuropathy, physical therapy can be used as a treatment option.
  • If you’re looking for physical therapy in Massapequa, we offer treatment for peripheral neuropathy.

Common Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms:

1. Extreme hunger
2. Extreme thirst
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Slow healing- cuts and sores take much longer to heal
5. Increase in infections
6. Fatigue
7. Vision changes
8. Tingling or numbness in the extremities

If you have been experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms and you are looking for physical therapy in Massapequa, contact us at Park PT today for an appointment.