The growth in diabetes numbers is fuelled by an increase in Type 2 diabetes which is undeniably linked to obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise. This means that a large proportion of diabetes care and prevention is self care.
Poorly managed diabetes is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and foot and leg amputations. If people will change their lifestyle patterns they can help to avoid these life threatening complications
Blood glucose control, blood pressure and cholesterol control, weight loss and exercise all contribute to good management. Healthy eating and regular exercise are of utmost importance.
“Whatever you can do to increase the amount of physical activity you do and reduce the length of time sitting will have an impact on your diabetes and general health,” says Catherine Falconer, who led a recent study.
Physical activity is important for glucose control as a well as for maintaining good blood flow in feet and legs. Both nerve damage and reduced circulation in the feet can result in numbness, tingling, loss of feeling, abrasions and ulcers which do not heal and can lead to amputation.
Ensuring good circulation in feet and legs is essential for avoiding these foot problems. Any kind of movement boosts circulation. So keep moving, with any activity you enjoy!