Did you know that Reflexology is of huge benefit in the treatment of Diabetes?

Diabetes is now recognised as the world’s fastest growing chronic condition. In Australia 280 people develop diabetes every day and the International Diabetes Federation estimates that by 2040, one adult in ten will have diabetes. China has the highest proportion of diabetes in the world, followed by India and the USA.

So what is Diabetes? It is a condition where insulin is not produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the cells of the Pancreas, to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert glucose into energy. If blood sugar levels are unregulated and remain high, serious complications can occur to the body’s systems, especially to nerves and blood vessels.

There are three main types of diabetes.

In Type 1 Diabetes, there is a loss of production or insufficient production of insulin by the Pancreas. It usually occurs in childhood, may be auto-immune or of unknown cause. It can however occur after the age of 30. It requires treatment by daily injections of insulin and changes to diet and lifestyle.

Type 2 Diabetes mainly occurs in adults and is the result of the inability of the body’s cells to respond to insulin effectively or where enough insulin is not produced. Most people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2. However it is becoming increasingly common in adolescents and young adults. It usually occurs as a result of lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, lack of exercise and being overweight. It has a strong genetic link so you are more at risk if there is a family history, but lifestyle strongly influences this. It is managed by diet, lifestyle changes, weight loss and medication and is preventable.

Type 3 Diabetes is also known as Gestational Diabetes as it occurs during pregnancy when a woman without diabetes, develops high blood glucose levels. These usually return to normal after the pregnancy but there may be an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Over time, Diabetes may damage the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes and nerves and cause fertility problems. This is where Reflexology comes in.

As you may know, Stress is one of the biggest factors in our health today. It depletes the immune system and raises glucose levels. Constant stress effects the ability of a person with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Reflexology is deeply relaxing and reduces the stress response.

It also boosts the immune system, increases circulation and nerve supply, balances the hormones and glands, including the Pancreas and all other glands and helps detox the body. Research has shown that Reflexology reduces peripheral neuropathy (pins and needles) in people with Diabetes, increases their circulation so that kidney and eye health are improved, often enables people to reduce their medication and stimulates the pancreas and liver to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is not an easy condition to live with but it can be successfully managed. A healthy diet, exercise, adequate water to avoid dehydration, stress reduction and weight loss will all help.

Reflexology is a powerful complimentary therapy that will benefit all types of Diabetes and should be included in all management plans.

Warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References: Treatment of the Diabetic patient – Lone Sorensen course, www.reflexology-research.com, www.healthline.com, www.statista.com, www.who.int, www.business.inquirer.net, www.diabetesaustralia.com.au, www.modernreflexology.net.

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.