Is Massage Useful in the Management of Diabetes? A Systematic Review
- Jeanette Ezzo, MsT, MPH, PhD,
- Thomas Donner, MD,
- Diane Nickols, BA, PA-C and
- Mary Cox, MsT, BS
Abstract
In Brief
Massage is among the fastest growing complementary therapies used in the United States. This article systematically reviews the available evidence on potential benefits and adverse effects of massage for people with diabetes. Massage at injection sites may increase insulin absorption. In addition, uncontrolled studies suggest that massage may have a positive effect on blood glucose levels and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. However, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm any short- and long-term benefits of massage as a complementary treatment for diabetes and to further define an optimal massage treatment.
Footnotes
-
Jeanette Ezzo, MsT, MPH, PhD, an epidemiologist, is research director of JPS Enterprises in Takoma Park, Md., and a practicing massage therapist in Baltimore, Md. Thomas Donner, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Diane Nickols, BS, PA-C, is the regional manager of training and development at MedQuist Mid-Atlantic in Columbia, Md. Mary Cox, MsT, BS, is the research director of the Baltimore School of Massage in Baltimore, Md.
- American Diabetes Association
