Massage For Diabetes
Massage for diabetes? Massage is a great way to ease away the stress of the day and promote a state of peace. When I perform a massage, my primary goal is to calm your nervous system to promote a positive feedback loop, instead of reinforcing the snowball effect of pain and anxiety. If you are considering using massages to address the symptoms of your diabetes, consult with your medical professional before your first session.
Potential Benefits of Massage For Diabetes
What are the potential benefits of massage for diabetes? In a world filled with misleading information and scams in abundance, I try to be a shining light to help guide you toward living your most brilliant life. Here are a few research studies that ask, “Are massages good for diabetics?
- In the study by Stenbäck et al. (2024), researchers found that a single session of Swedish massage increases levels of IL-6. This is a protein that can help reduce inflammation and improve how your body handles sugar and fat. [1] While this research may sound exciting, it is not an indication that massage will replace the medical care required to manage Diabetes Mellitus properly.
- In 2011, a study was conducted to determine the effect of Swedish massage on the blood glucose levels of children with diabetes. In this small sample size, researchers discovered that the children who received 15-minute massage sessions three times a week for three months showed significant improvement over the control group.[2] It is important to note that, though the results indicated significant improvement, the researchers emphasized the importance of exercise, diet, and medication in the management of diabetes.
- In 2015, a study was performed to assess the effects of Thai foot massage on balance performance in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Participants received a foot massage for thirty minutes, three days a week, for two weeks. Results indicated improved range of motion and foot sensation. [3] In another research paper, written in 2017. It indicated that the application of plantar massage showed an improvement in balance, functional mobility, and reach values in the feet of people with type II diabetes. [4] However, this second research paper lacked controls, so the significance of its information is limited.
Written by Shawn White
This Page Was Updated On 8/6/2025
Citations
- Stenbäck, V., Lehtonen, I., Mäkelä, K. A., Raza, G. S., Ylinen, V., Valtonen, R., Hamari, T., Walkowiak, J., Tulppo, M., & Herzig, K.-H. (2024). Effect of single session of Swedish massage on circulating levels of interleukin-6 and insulin-like growth factor 1. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(17), Article 9135. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179135
- Sajedi, F., Kashaninia, Z., Hoseinzadeh, S., & Abedinipoor, A. (2011). How effective is Swedish massage on blood glucose level in children with diabetes mellitus? Acta Medica Iranica, 49(9), 592-597. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052142/
- Chatchawan, U., Eungpinichpong, W., Plandee, P., & Yamauchi, J. (2015). Effects of Thai Foot Massage on Balance Performance in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Parallel-Controlled Trial. Medical Science Monitor Basic Research, 21, 68–75. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSMBR.894163
- Tütün Yümin, E., Tarsuslu Şimşek, T., Sertel, M., Ankaralı, H., & Yumin, M. (2017). The effect of foot plantar massage on balance and functional reach in patients with type II diabetes. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 33(2), 115–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2016.1271849
