Diabetes Feet - Keep Those Puppies Clean

They say, tis is the best time in history to be alive. Technological advances multiply daily. Medical advances are snowballing. We have cures for diseases, we did not know, existed one hundred years ago. People are living longer than ever before ( women have a longer life expectancy than men ). Perhaps, it is the greatest time to be alive.

With all the advances in technology and medicine, comes responsibility. And, with responsibility, comes stress. Computers were supposed to make us a paperless society. As a pharmacist, over the last 33 years, I find this not to be true. Back in the 1970's, I filled a prescription, stamped the actual prescription blank with the date, initialed it, and dispensed it. Today, we enter all the information in a computer, initial it, and there about five more steps, before we can give it to the patient. And, there are many more papers to store away for up to 7 years. I am not saying today's system is not a better one. It is not a paperless one.

Stress causes a rise in blood sugar levels. This is part of our survival system, called the fight or flight syndrome. As it occurs, the body senses stress. To deal with stress, the body releases adrenaline, as well as many other chemicals. This is to help you fight or flee from the situation. But, in todays world, we do not fight or flee, we deal with it. But, dealing with it, does not change the way the body handles the situation.

One thing that does change, is your blood sugar. The body increase the amount of glucose into the blood for energy to fight or flee. Normally, the excess sugar would be taken back in tho the cells. If you have diabetes, this does not happen. Your body does not get the sugar out of the blood. So now, you have a higher blood sugar level. This can continue all day long, raising your blood sugar level higher and higher. Then, you need more medicine to control it.

This can be an endless cycle. Relaxation is an important part off the key to counter this cycle. But, how can you relax? Your blood sugar is high and you feel wired. Practice.

Meditation can reduce the medication. This involves focusing on something else or nothing at all. It should be practiced in a peaceful place and time. Make sure you are void of distractions.

Walking can be a peaceful, relaxing, experience. Walk in the fresh air. Breathe in new life to your body, exhale that which is negatively affecting you. Your blood sugar level goes down with walking.

Yoga, a slow, deliberate, stretching type of exercise, can be helpful. It is relaxing, and you focus on the exercise and breathing. Stretching the body, allows for a better blood flow and a better functioning nervous system. The body will be able to control the blood sugar better. This does take practice.

Massage is another thing we can do to relieve stress and lower our blood sugar. A massage can be very relaxing. A Duke University research study shows, that massage as stress management, lowers blood sugar levels. A New Mexico University study shows that a short term stress relief program involving touch, lowered the blood sugar level more than one without touch.

Massage relaxes you. It helps you let go of some of the daily stresses that affect your blood sugar level.

Actively, relax. Take a break from daily stresses, to reduce your blood sugar. Make a habit of it. It will beneficial to your health.