Where to massage for diabetic foot

Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
Updated on February 23, 2025
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For diabetic patients, we do not recommend foot therapy. Why is that? First, the foot therapy institutions outside are not very professional; many individuals start working without proper training. The massage might lack strength, and the hygiene standards are often not met, which can lead to local injuries and infections.

Second, diabetic patients have a specific bodily constitution due to high blood sugar levels, making their tissues particularly susceptible to damage. Once damaged, these tissues do not heal easily. If the hygiene is substandard, the feet of diabetic patients are especially prone to infection. Diabetic foot patients, because of poor blood supply, are also more susceptible to fungal infections. Therefore, given these factors, it is advised that diabetic patients avoid foot therapy.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
58sec home-news-image

Where to massage for diabetic foot

For diabetic patients, we do not recommend foot therapy. Why is that? First, the foot therapy institutions outside are not very professional; many individuals start working without proper training. The massage might lack strength, and the hygiene standards are often not met, which can lead to local injuries and infections. Second, diabetic patients have a specific bodily constitution due to high blood sugar levels, making their tissues particularly susceptible to damage. Once damaged, these tissues do not heal easily. If the hygiene is substandard, the feet of diabetic patients are especially prone to infection. Diabetic foot patients, because of poor blood supply, are also more susceptible to fungal infections. Therefore, given these factors, it is advised that diabetic patients avoid foot therapy.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What to eat for diabetic foot

For patients with diabetic foot ulcers, first, their diet should control blood sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index like porridge, glutinous rice, and rice noodle rolls should be avoided. Additionally, sweet foods are also off-limits; it's important for meals to be regular and measured. Second, as patients with diabetic foot ulcers need nutrients for wound healing, they can eat foods high in protein such as eggs, fish, fish soup, and lean meats to promote wound healing. Third, if the patient also has high blood lipids, it's advisable to maintain a light diet and avoid greasy foods.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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How to treat early-stage diabetes?

In the early stages of diabetes, when blood sugar levels are not very high, it can be controlled through diet and exercise. This can be achieved by losing weight, reducing calorie intake, and increasing calorie consumption through exercise to lower blood sugar levels. However, for some obese patients or those who cannot control their diet, medications can also be used in the early stages to prevent further increases in blood sugar levels. Currently, medications such as metformin and acarbose, which are both effective and relatively inexpensive, are mainly recommended. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to test for diabetes?

The examination for diabetes primarily involves assessment based on symptoms and measuring blood glucose levels through a venous sample. Typical clinical symptoms of diabetes include "three more and one less"; where "three more" refers to dry mouth, increased thirst, and frequent urination, and "one less" refers to weight loss. Thus, generally, when these symptoms are observed, there is an awareness of the possibility of diabetes. Subsequently, one should consult a hospital for further tests, which usually include urine testing and venous blood extraction. For diabetic patients, the glucose level in routine urine tests will significantly increase. Another measure is the direct measurement of blood glucose through venous blood. A fasting blood glucose level of ≥7.0 mmol/L, or a two-hour glucose level of ≥11.1 mmol/L post-OGTT, or a random blood glucose level of ≥11.1 mmol/L, meeting any one of these conditions, combined with the symptoms of diabetes, can diagnose the disease.

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Written by Chen Li Ping
Endocrinology
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What is gestational diabetes like?

Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that appears during pregnancy, or is detected during pregnancy, or is an abnormal glucose tolerance of any degree. Gestational diabetes affects both the pregnant mother and the fetus. Although the mortality rate of pregnant women with gestational diabetes has significantly decreased, complications are still quite common. It may increase the rate of spontaneous miscarriages and preterm births for fetuses. Secondly, it can cause fetal or neonatal death, and intrauterine growth retardation. Thirdly, it leads to excessive amniotic fluid and macrosomia, and may result in neonatal polycythemia, fetal malformations, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal hypoglycemia, as well as neonatal hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. For the mother, it can lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, infections during pregnancy or childbirth, and in severe cases, diabetic ketoacidosis.