Walking and Diabetes: Watch for foot problems
Everyone knows that exercise is good for you. But if you are one of the more than 19 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes, reaping the benefits of exercising isn’t always as easy as a walk in the park.
“Studies by the American Diabetes Association have proven that, among other benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps bring elevated blood glucose levels into the normal range," said Dr. Stephen Offutt, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the Reid Hospital Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Therapy Center. “Unfortunately, people with diabetes often experience diminished sensation in their lower limbs and are at risk for developing foot wounds. They need to be careful before they begin a strenuous exercise program that involves the feet.”
Approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer due to vascular disease or neuropathy, damage to the nerves that reduces sensation. Over the last two years the Reid Wound Healing Center, a National Healing Corporation Wound Healing Center, treated 128 patients with diabetes and a lower extremity wound.
“For many of my patients and others with diabetes, starting an exercise program is often daunting because they may be out of shape, overweight or have other health conditions that leads to inactivity,” said Dr. Offutt. “I tell them they just need to take that first step, but that it doesn’t necessarily have to be on a walking path or treadmill.”
Dr. Offutt offered these exercise tips:
- For diabetics with reduced sensation, prolonged walking, jogging, using a treadmill and step exercises are not recommended. Instead, try swimming, bicycling, rowing, chair and arm exercises and other non-weight bearing activities.
- People with type 2 diabetes can reap health benefits by engaging in moderate exercise as little as two-and-one-half hours a week.
- Proper footwear is essential. The use of silica gel or air midsoles as well as polyester or cotton/polyester socks will help prevent blisters and keep feet dry.
- People with reduced sensation in their feet should inspect their feet closely for blisters and other potential damage before and after exercising.
- Since dehydration is often an issue with diabetes, it is important to drink water early and frequently when exercising.
- The American College of Sports Medicine has demonstrated that resistance training can improve insulin sensitivity about as much as aerobic exercise. The American Diabetes Association agrees that exercising with weights is acceptable for younger individuals but not recommended for older people with long-standing diabetes.
- Before starting an exercise program, people with diabetes should be screened for the presence of vascular complications that could worsen with exercise and for orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions that might rule out certain exercises.
For more information on managing diabetes, contact Reid Wound Healing Center or Reid’s Diabetes/Nutrition Education department at the New Reid Outpatient Care Center, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, Indiana or call (765) 983-3300.
The Reid Wound Healing Center is at 1380 Chester Blvd., Richmond, Indaina. A National Healing Corporation Wound Center, it specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as well as disease management and diabetes care. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has awarded National Healing Corporation Disease-Specific Care Certification for wound care. Call (765) 983-3300.
