Physiotherapy to prevent diabetic complications
Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires the services of a range of healthcare professionals. Apart from playing a crucial role in managing disability, physiotherapy has got an important role in planning specific exercise to control of sugar level and prevent diabetic complications specially foot problem. Exercise has got tremendous role in managing diabetes. But it is a chronic disease and often people have other coexisted diseases living with disabilities. So, better and tailor made exercise programme can be designed by a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is now gaining popularity in this field. Along with exercise, it also provides other physical treatment techniques, such as massage, use of electro-therapeutic and mechanical agents which plays a vital role in the management and prevention of complications in the diabetics. Most people with diabetes suffer from musculoskeletal complains, which might include frozen shoulder, back pain or osteoarthritis. Many people with poorly managed type-1 diabetes develop a syndrome of limited joint mobility. Physiotherapy can play an important role in preventing and managing foot problems. Teaching the importance of correct walking and posture, along with the basic principles of off-loading when required, can prevent or stabilise a number of foot complications. In people with skin ulcers, which are typical in people with diabetes, the effective use of crutches or foot splints can ensure off-loading and early healing. As the number of people with diabetes continues to rise whereas the existing diabetes population ages, the need of efficient physiotherapy services will continue to grow. Specialised physiotherapists can also act as a member of diabetes care team in order to help improve the health and well-being of all people with diabetes.
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