Managing Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way your body processes food into energy. Normally, when you eat, your body breaks down most of the food into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. As your blood sugar levels rise, it signals your pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose for energy. In diabetes, this process is disrupted, leading to high blood sugar levels and various health complications.

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes share several common symptoms, which may include:

• Increased thirst: Feeling more thirsty than usual.
• Frequent urination: The need to urinate often.
• Unintended weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
• Presence of ketones in the urine: Ketones are byproducts of the breakdown of muscle and fat, occurring when there isn’t enough insulin.
• Fatigue and weakness: Feeling constantly tired or weak.
• Irritability and mood changes: Unexplained changes in mood or irritability.
• Blurred vision: Difficulty seeing clearly.
• Slow-healing sores: Cuts or wounds that take longer than usual to heal.
• Frequent infections: Increased susceptibility to infections, such as gum, skin, and vaginal infections.

Causes of Diabetes

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes:

• Autoimmune response: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Genetics: Certain genes may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
• Environmental factors: A viral infection may trigger the immune system attack.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes:

• Overweight and obesity: Excess weight is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Physical inactivity: Lack of regular exercise contributes to insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels.

How Physical and Occupational Therapy Can Help

Managing diabetes effectively often involves lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity. Physical therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals with diabetes participate in safe and effective exercise programs. Regular exercise can help lower blood sugar levels, improve movement, enhance daily function, and reduce pain associated with diabetes.

In addition to physical therapy, occupational therapy can also make a significant difference in diabetes management. Occupational therapists work to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with diabetes, helping them manage their condition more effectively and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

Get the Right Support at Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

If you’re living with diabetes, the right support can make all the difference in managing your condition. Our team at Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy is here to help. We can connect you with the right therapist to support your diabetes management and overall health. Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better health and well-being.

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021  Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005  Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

 In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy 

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.