Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72121
CURBING DIABETES AND RELATED DISEASES The good news is current research is showing that various lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58–71 percent, depending on age. These interventions are feasible, cost-effective, and successful across ethnic and racial groups, and have been shown to persist for at least 10 years.9 Exercise People age 60 or older with diabetes are 2–3 times more likely to report an inability to walk one-quarter of a mile, climb stairs, or do housework compared to people without diabetes.11 Exercise may be limited in this population and In those who are beyond the pre-diabetic stage, the severity of the disease can be reduced and preventative care can limit the complications and onset of associated diseases such as cardiovascular, kidney, nerve, and periodontal disease. According to WebMD, the top seven ways to prevent or delay diabetes or its complications are: • Exercise. • Lose weight. • See your doctor more often. • Eat a healthy diet. • Get support and get informed. • Make sleep a priority. • Upgrade your outlook.10 How does massage fit in? Let's look at the research and what we know to be true about the benefits of massage and bodywork. others due to pain, loss of balance, or limited flexibility. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce pain and improve flexibility and balance, encouraging an increase in activity.12 Lose Weight/Eat a Healthy Diet A diabetes prevention trial found that people who did 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise and lost 5–7 percent of their body weight were able to cut their odds of getting diabetes by 58 percent.13 Nutritional consultations and advice on healthy eating habits are not within the scope of practice of most somatic therapists. However, as shown in Elizabeth Summers' WIN-WIN Hands On project, massage therapy was effective when combined with nutritional consulting and exercise in increasing the body awareness and enhancing the body image of obese adolescent girls to better enable them to make healthy choices about diet and exercise.14 Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 51