Tips & Articles
Diabetes Month
November is World Diabetes Month which focuses on the theme ‘Empowering Health’, and the aim of this article is to empower you as a diabetic to manage your Leg Health. Leg Health is often not given much thought when it comes to overall heath, however poor leg circulation is a real concern for people living with diabetes. People with Diabetes Type 2 are particularly at-risk. High glucose levels cause fatty deposits to form inside blood vessels which over time can make your blood vessels narrow and hard, lessening blood flow.1
Over time, poor blood flow can be detrimental for you legs and feet. Symptoms associated with poor circulation include:
- Numbness
- Tingling2
- Pain while walking
- Decreased sensation in the feet
- Increased risk of developing ulcers of the foot
- Slower healing of wounds.1
Additional general symptoms of poor circulation in the legs include tiredness, swelling, stiffness, itching, heaviness, and cramps.
The good news is that you can take steps to improve your circulation. Making small changes to your daily habits can help.
Why not make Diabetes Day 2023, the day that you start to incorporate some healthy habits into your daily lifestyle to assist in managing your leg circulation.
Take quick, frequent exercise breaks.
A recent study found that the frequency of exercise is more important for diabetics than the duration. Exercising for just three minutes every 30 minutes showed improved blood flow.
Exercise to benefit your toes, feet, ankles, and legs.
Cardio exercise like walking will naturally promote blood flow. If you can’t get outside, target your legs with squats, leg lifts and calf raises.
Wear diabetic socks.
The compression of the socks keeps veins straight, improving blood flow to your calves and feet.
Maintaining low blood sugar
Cardio exercise like walking will naturally promote blood flow. If you can’t get outside, target your legs with squats, leg lifts and calf raises.
Eat healthy foods that support good circulation
such as salmon and flax seeds for Omega-3 fatty acids, spinach that is high in iron and high-fibre foods such as oatmeal and apples to reduce cholesterol and limit narrowing of your arteries.
Stop smoking.
The sooner you can stop smoking, the better it will be for your circulatory system.
Try Venavine® Products
Take 1-2 Venavine® Capsules daily to help improve circulation and get multi-action relief from painful, heavy, tired, achy, swollen, itchy and tingling legs. You can also massage your legs daily with Venavine® Intensive Cream for on-the-spot cooling, relaxing action. For best results use both Venavine® Capsules and Venavine® Intensive cream daily.
If you experience more serious signs of poor circulation such as changes to the skin on your feet including redness, warmth or a funny smell or loss of feeling in your toes, feet, or legs you should consult your healthcare professional right away.2
References:
1 UCLA Health. [Internet]. The link between diabetes and poor circulation. [Updated 2021 Jan 14; Cited 2023 Oct]. Available from: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/how-to-improve-blood-circulation-if-you-have-type-2-diabetes
2 Cleveland Clinic Staff. [Internet]. Diabetes-Related Foot Conditions. [Lasted reviewed 2021 Apr 26; Cited 2023 Oct 30]. Clevelandclinic.org. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21510-diabetic-feet