How to Increase Circulation as a Diabetic

Diabetics typically have poor circulation but there are ways to increase the blood flow in your body with just a few tips and tricks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Warm water
• Socks
• Heating source

1. Remember that your body isn't the same as every other diabetic's body. Things that will work for one may not work for you. Test and see which methods work best for you and incorporate them into your health care regime.
2. Also keep in mind that small meals ate throughout the day (six smaller portions rather than one big portion) will keep you more stable. Don't try to eat only one or two meals a day and try to keep your sugar level under control. Better glucose control is key to keeping your body working properly.
3. You can put your hands and feet in warm (not hot) water a few times a day, at least once a day. These will stimulate the cells and speed circulation. Remember to towel dry completely when done and to wear socks afterwards. Soft tender feet that are barefoot are more prone to getting cuts which are the bane of diabetics.
4. Get frequent massages, even if they are only from yourself. Rubbing your feet and hands, arms and legs, briskly a few times a week will also help stimulate blood flow. This is especially a good trick to do fresh from the shower. Remember, once again, that toweling off completely is a must.
5. Stay warm. As your body cools, your arms and legs will get less and less blood flow. And as diabetics will not have good circulation in these extremities anyway, getting cold will just make a bad situation worse.