The Healthy Choices Wellblog

Is it safe for a diabetic to get foot reflexology?
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

Question on healing:
I have been living with diabetes for the better part of 4 years and it causes great pain in my feet. Since the rest of the body is worked on/through with the feet….how can reflexology help with the feet themselves? Since my feet are already in a great deal of pain-can it be done without much pain?

Healing Facilitation Response:
I learned a long time ago that the diabetic foot was different. Some doctors don’t even want the foot massaged. Many say not to even soak the feet in warm water. You’d have to check with your doctor before attempting to use foot reflexology.

Healing work, such as Reiki, on the feet would help restore proper energy flow without any possible diabetic-type problems due to poor circulation which might be present. If you have chosen a doctor who is open to alternative methods of healing the body, they might say it is okay for you to try reflexology.

As for how reflexology helps the foot itself, I don’t have any reference for that but would have to assume that increasing circulation throughout the body would have to have a beneficial effect on the whole body, including the feet. Also, in the same way that massage can relieve cramped, tense muscles in the body, reflexology can relieve cramped, tense muscles in the feet. My feet always feel delightfully wonderful after a session, particularly if I’ve been standing on my feet all day when I get a session.

More on reflexology
More on Diabetes

Do your diabetes testing supplies cost more than you can afford?
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

I just read about this company that provides diabetes testing supplies with no money up front. They deliver your supplies and diabetes medications to your door, at no additional cost for shipping as well, and send reminders when it is time for you to reorder.

One of the most important factors in effectively addressing diabetes, especially if you have chosen to go the medical route and treat with insulin, is to monitor blood sugar levels very consistently and carefully. You can’t do that without sufficient testing supplies so, if the cost of your diabetes medications or testing supplies is too much for you, call Liberty Medical and see if you qualify for their home delivery program.

There are restrictions, some deductibles and some copayment information to carefully consider. Liberty Medical is a pround sponsor of the American Diabetes Association.

Call today and find out if your medicare coverage qualifies you for the money-saving benefits of their services: 1-877-569-2962.

Now, having said that, I will also encourage you to read about natural diabetes treatments and educate yourself on holistic health remedies. Learn more about diagnosing diabetes, what causes diabetes and related illness here:

Natural Diabetes Medications and Information

And if you have diabetes-related UTI’s, please read this:
Complications of diabetes UTI

Diabetes 2 Medication, Byetta:

The new kid on the medical diabetes block is Byetta.

Used to treat type 2 Diabetes, Byetta is an injectable medicine.

 Potential Side effects (Partial list; see doctor or pharmacists for full list):

Excessive Sweating

Nausea

Weakness

Chest Pain

Decreased Appetite

Vomiting

GERD (more on gerd)

Important to note:  Byetta does not replace insulin and is not a substitute for it.  Also, it hasn’t been studied in children or for type 1 diabetes. Don’t use byetta if you take insulin.

You should report to your doctor immediately any persistent vomiting or abdominal cramping when taking byetta.

Byetta may reduce appetite and affect weight.

 more about diabetes

Quick Ask - Diabetes:
What’s the difference between
type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

The primary difference is age of onset. Type 2 diabetes is also called adult-onset because it is usually the result of a chronic pattern of not eating well or exercising.  Type 2 has always been very predominant but that seems to be changing as children follow the dietary lifestyles of their parents, or the cultural lifestyle of a fast food nation, so type 2 is happening a lot sooner now, at an earlier age than ever before.

The belief of the medical profession at this time is that blood sugar monitoring, dietary restrictions and insulin injections must be done for the rest of the affilicated person’s life, to control diabetes.

 The holistic health practitioner does not share the hopeless view.  It’s up to each parent who has a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, to fully research natural diabetes treatments and compare them carefully with the western medicine approach.  The same comparisons and discernment should be used to decide on a course of action to treat adult onset diabetes.

 more articles on diabetes in children

Quick Ask - Diabetes

What are some of the side effects of Exubera

Exubera is a diabetes medicine, prescribed for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

 Please weigh the potential side effects against the potential benefits if considering exubera (partial list, talk with pharmacist or doctor about full list):

 Can cause coughs, lowered lung function, chest pain or pressure, and dry mouth.  Exubera can also cause low blood sugar in certain situations including taking it while taking certain other medicines (discuss all medicines with your doctor).  It can also cause a drop in blood sugar if you have certain medical conditions (discuss all health challenges fully with your doctor), if you consume alcohol with exubera or if you delay eating while taking exubera.

more on diabetes