Ask anyone to name the most expensive health condition in the US, and you’d expect them to say heart disease, which is the number one cause of death. But surprisingly, type 2 diabetes, currently growing 36 times faster than heart disease, is the second-leading killer and the most expensive health condition, totaling over $101 billion in diagnoses and treatments.

If you suffer from diabetes, you know too well that you have too much sugar, also called glucose, in your blood. Your body’s cells do not use the hormone insulin properly to convert glucose into energy. Genetics, diet, exercise, and body weight are contributing risk factors, and a doctor’s care and treatment are always necessary. But according to endocrinologist Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis, MD, stress is one of the more overlooked factors that can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How can massage help? Because it increases blood circulation and stimulates blood flow around vital organs, massage can help diabetics regulate their pain and can also have significant impact on how the body handles the diabetic state itself. As it calms the nervous system and in turn reduces stress hormones that the body produces, massage effectively reduces stress and impacts bio-chemical factors related to diabetes.

A quality massage chair provides targeted treatment to specific parts of the body, increasing blood circulation while providing soothing relaxation whenever desired. Both are helpful in addressing not only pain associated with diabetes, but also get at two of its root causes: poor circulation and stress. Having a chair at home also helps diabetes sufferers manage the cost of the disease.
Dr. Kellis reminds her patients that keeping an eye on lifestyle habits and being aware of personal risk factors can help lessen the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. You should always consult your doctor if you have symptoms or concerns. And keep in mind that, in addition to its many other benefits, a quality massage chair can help.

Sources:
“Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Back Pain Dominate US Health Care Spending.” ScienceDaily, 27 Dec. 2016
Team, Chronic Conditions. “Stress, Lack of Sleep Can Increase Your Risk of Developing Diabetes.” Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 16 Nov. 2016,