Massage for Diabetes: What Research Says

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the rise in diabetes, a disease that occurs when the body’s blood glucose levels are too high, which can lead to serious health issues. A report issued in 2024 estimated that the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide had surpassed eight hundred million, a figure representing a more than four-fold increase since 1990. [1] By 2050, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 1 in 8 adults, or approximately 853 million, will be living with the disease. [2]

Over 90 percent of people with diabetes have Type 2. There are two primary problems associated with Type 2 diabetes. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin, which is the hormone that regulates the movement of sugar or glucose into the cells. And cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar.[3]

By comparison, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin. With Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreases.

Complications of diabetes include:

·         Heart disease: People with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, says the American Heart Association.[4] 

·         Chronic kidney disease: In the United States about 1 in 3 people with diabetes have diabetic nephropathy, which is chronic kidney disease (CKD).[5] 

·         Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss): The condition occurs when high blood sugar damages small blood vessels at the back of the eyes, leading to vision loss.

·         Peripheral neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage is a common complication that may affect close to half the people with diabetes.[6]

Diabetes massage therapy benefits

Massage therapy has a transformative role in dealing with chronic illnesses relative to pain management and stress relief. There is limited research to date on diabetes massage therapy but studies suggest that massage can aid diabetes management by improving circulation and by reducing pain and numbness, tingling, and mobility issues caused neuropathy. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, diabetes massage therapy can potentially support better glycemic control, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.[7]

Diabetes massage research studies

Improve diabetes symptoms: A 2019 systematic review of research from January 2000 to 2018 aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy on the symptoms and complications of diabetes. Of significance, the review found that diabetes massage resulted in a decrease in blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels (A1c measures the average amount of glucose in blood over the past three months.) while improving neuropathic pain and diabetes foot ulcers.

Researchers concluded from the review that diabetes massage therapy can affect the clinical and laboratory symptoms and complications of diabetes. However, they noted that several factors can change the results of massage therapy. These include quality and quantity of pressure and duration, number of sessions, type of massage and the psychophysical state of the patients. [8]

Improve circulation: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a complication of diabetes. With PAD, plaque buildup narrows blood vessels decreasing circulation to limbs. It can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. A 2011 study found connective tissue massage increase blood circulation in the lower limbs of patients with Type 2 diabetes at stages 1 and 11-a of the Leriche-Fontaine classification (a method by which the spectrum of symptoms of peripheral artery disease is clinically classified) with improvements in differential segmental pressure in leg and greater skin blood flow. Researchers concluded that connective tissue massage may help slow the progression of PAD. [9]

Improve diabetic neuropathy symptoms: Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage is a debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus. It affects about 50 percent of patients with diabetes, significantly affecting quality of life as well as contributing to morbidity and mortality. Between 20 to 30 percent of the patients also develop neuropathic pain. [10]

A study conducted in 2015 looked at the benefits of Thai massage on Type 2 diabetes. Sixty people participated in the research. The study found that participants who received a 30-minute foot massage, three times per week for 2 weeks, had significant improvements in their range of motion, ability to stand up from a seated position, and foot sensation, compared to a control group.[11]

Side effects and contraindications of diabetic massage

One research study conducted in 2011 on children with diabetes found that Swedish massage added to daily routines that included exercise, diet, and medication regimens, is an effective intervention to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic children. [12] For this reason, it is best to check blood sugar levels before and after diabetic massage therapy. Also, it is advisable to have an emergency source of sugar, such as glucose tablets or juice, on hand if going for a massage.[13]

Best diabetes massage treatments

Research continues to look at how to apply diabetes massage treatment to assist in managing diabetes symptoms. As evidenced by research diabetic massage treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness include:[14]

·         Thai foot massage

·         Other types of foot massage

·         Swedish massage

·         Connective tissue massage

·         Traditional Chinese massage

More research will help us understand what massage can do for managing diabetes and the most effective modalities.