PT implications when treating diabetic patients

Our user asked: "Hello, I am a student at UNC Chapel Hill and I was wondering if you had any specific insights into important things to think about and teach new therapists with regard to working with diabetic patients. For example: Using heating pads when the patient may not be able to feel if it is burning them. Any interesting or important things you have learned and could pass on to me would be very helpful. Thanks so much for your help!"

Ask a PT Response: "When working with patients that have diabetes there are many issues to consider. Like you mentioned loss of sensation is one of them. Other things to consider are decrease balance, abnormal gait, ulcers, impaired vision, abnormal respiration (shallow - hypoglycemia & deep/rapid - hyperglycemia), etc...

Educating the patient is key for optimal outcomes with exercise and physical therapy. The patient should be taught the importance of assessing glucose levels before and after exercise and to be able to judge what carbs or insulin would be required for the exercise or activity. I hope this helps. I am also attaching some information you might find useful."