As a healthcare professional, I've encountered countless patients who have experienced the frustrating and often alarming sensation of tingling in their hands and feet. This seemingly minor symptom can be a significant indicator of underlying health issues, especially for individuals with diabetes.

I recall many clients, busy executives, who often complained of these tingling sensations. Initially, they attributed it to stress, heavy responsibilities, and long working hours. However, upon closer examination, we discovered that their blood sugar levels were frequently fluctuating. This was starting to cause damage to the nerves in their extremities, leading to the tingling sensation.

Why Does This Happen?

High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. As a result, nerves become deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen, leading to various symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain, often felt in the hands and feet. Additionally, high blood sugar can trigger inflammation, which further damages nerve cells. This nerve damage can interfere with daily activities, impacting cognitive function, motor skills, and overall well-being. Such complications can hinder your professional performance, decision-making abilities, and the capacity to lead and inspire your team.

Taking Control: A Proven Holistic Approach

To manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of nerve damage, consider incorporating the following strategies:

• Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
• Balanced Diet: Prioritize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit your intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and its impact on blood sugar levels.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to regulate hormones that control blood sugar levels.

The Power of Stretching: A Quick Fix for Busy Individuals

One of the most effective ways to alleviate stress, improve circulation, and manage get your blood sugars in the healthy target zone is through regular stretching. Even you as a busy, high-achieving individual can incorporate simple stretches into your daily routine, whether it's first thing in the morning or in between meetings.

Quick Stretches for the Busy Professional

• Morning Routine:
  • As soon as you wake up, stretch your arms overhead and yawn widely to awaken your body.
  • Sit on the edge of your bed and swing your legs back and forth to loosen up your hips and ankles.
• At Your Desk:
  • Set an alarm every hour or so, stand up and stretch your arms overhead, reaching toward the ceiling.
  • Roll your shoulders forward and backward to relieve tension.
  • Tilt your head from side to side and front to back to release neck tension.
• On the Go:
  • While waiting for a meeting or in a traffic jam, sit upright and stretch your legs out in front of you.
  • Flex your feet and ankles to improve circulation.
  • During a short break, find a quiet spot to perform some deep breathing exercises and gentle stretches.

By incorporating these simple stretches into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and well-being, reduce stress, and better manage your blood sugar levels.

Want to learn more natural self-care practices to optimize your health and well-being? Click here to discover 4 more practical and effective techniques from my recent masterclass.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ac., C.H., RDH
Dr. Holistic Studies, Dr. Acupuncture
Diabetes Wellness Strategist & Coach
Creator & CEO of Holistic Diabetes Solutions
8 X International Best-Selling Author

As a woman living with diabetes for over 30 years, Dr. Cheryl understands the journey firsthand. When she was diagnosed, she received the same outdated advice her grandmother was given for over four decades, who relied primarily on medication, suffered from deteriorating health and eventually lost her life to diabetes. Fueled by this experience, Dr. Cheryl was compelled to seek a better way. Through countless research studies and trials, she developed the winning holistic approach: the Diabetes Success System which merges traditional wisdom with today’s best holistic self-care practices.  It has revolutionized diabetes management by providing a trusted way to maintain consistent and predictable healthy blood sugar levels.

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PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER

The material and content contained in this platform is for overall general diabetes health and education information only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice or to be a substitution for professional medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. All specific medical questions or changes you make to your medication and/or lifestyle should be discussed and addressed with your primary healthcare provider. Having the right mindset, doing the right movements at the right times of day, and eating foods that help keep blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation manageable can dramatically reduce your risk of the all-too-common complications of Diabetes, increase your energy levels and have you feeling your best every day.