November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. For the millions of us who are at risk for it, it's a time to get educated, find resources, and make sure all those around us are aware of their risk, too.

Physical therapists help people with diabetes take part in safe, effective exercise programs. This can help lower your blood sugar levels. Your physical therapist can help you improve your ability to move, perform daily activities, and reduce pain. Physical therapy treatments also can help heal diabetes-related skin problems faster than without treatment.

Your physical therapist will examine your record of blood glucose levels and check your skin for wounds. They also will conduct a complete assessment of your:

• Strength.

• Flexibility.

• Endurance.

• Balance.

• Skin sensation (especially in the feet).

They will use the results of these tests to design a personalized treatment program that addresses your problems and needs. Your treatment program can help improve your:

Movement. Your physical therapist will choose specific activities and treatments to help restore normal movement. These might begin with passive movements that the physical therapist performs for you to gently move your joints. They can help you progress to active exercises and stretches that you can do yourself.

Strength. Your physical therapist can teach you the right exercises to steadily and safely restore your strength.

Flexibility. Your physical therapist will determine if any muscles are tight and help you gently stretch them. They can teach you what to do to improve your flexibility.

Endurance. Regaining your endurance is important. You may have weakness due to inactivity. Your physical therapist can teach you exercises to help you regain the energy to return to your normal activities.

Balance and coordination. Regaining your sense of balance is important to prevent falling. Coordination is also essential for daily living and work-related activities. Your physical therapist can teach you how to improve your balance and restore your coordination.

Walking ability. Your physical therapist can improve your ability to walk in comfort by adjusting your shoes or adding inserts (orthotics) to support your feet and ankles. They may teach you how to use a walker or a cane, if needed, to help you walk safely.

Pain levels. Physical therapy treatment is a safe way to treat chronic pain. Your physical therapist may use different types of treatments and technologies. They will prescribe the most effective and safe exercises for you to perform to control and reduce pain. Your physical therapist can teach you how to protect painful areas to make them less sensitive to diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy).

Blood glucose levels. Physical activity, such as prescribed exercise, can help lower your blood sugar levels. Your physical therapist can design a safe, personalized exercise program to help you control and lower your blood sugar.

Healing of sores. Your physical therapist can apply bandages, dressings, lotions, and treatments to help sores heal faster. They also may check your footwear for proper fit and overall condition. They will teach you how to perform daily foot and skin checks to prevent blisters and sores from developing.

Home exercise. Your physical therapist will teach you how to strengthen and stretch your muscles. They also will teach you aerobic exercises to perform on your own at home. Your exercise program will be specific to your needs. Doing these exercises as prescribed can speed your recovery.

Ability to perform daily living and work activities. Your physical therapist will discuss your activity goals with you and use them to set your recovery goals. Your treatment program will help you reach your goals in the safest, fastest, and most effective way possible.

Consult with your physician and physical therapist before you begin any exercise program to address diabetes symptoms. Are you in need of Physical Therapy? Give us a call at 702.840.1222, or schedule an appointment here