MSU Extension Diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy is a complication people living with diabetes may experience. It can make physical activity feel challenging or intimidating. Being physically active can help manage neuropathy symptoms like blood sugar, reduce pain in some individuals and support overall wellbeing.

What is neuropathy?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, peripheral neuropathy is a condition involving damaged nerves. There are different types of peripheral neuropathy.  Some types of neuropathies are inherited, meaning they are passed down in families. Other types develop during a person’s life due to other factors such as certain chronic health conditions.

Symptoms vary from person to person and may include muscle weakness, lack of sensation, tingling sensations, pain, increased sensitivity, numbness, lack of temperature perception, loss of reflexes or foot problems like ulcers or bone pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies high blood sugar levels, having diabetes for a long time, obesity, being age 40 and up, high blood pressure and high cholesterol as risk factors for developing neuropathy. 

Physical activity can help

Intentional movement of your body can help manage symptoms of neuropathy. Research finds that benefits of physical activity for individuals with neuropathy include “improvements in nerve function, reductions in neuropathic pain, reductions in other types of sensory dysfunction (e.g., numbness) and improvements in both static and dynamic functional mobility.”

Before starting an exercise program, it is important to talk with your health care provider. Sharing your lifestyle, symptoms, goals, and physical activity plan can help determine if it is a good fit for your needs.

Low-impact seated exercises are a great starting point to improve your circulation and strength. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy recommends that your exercise routine includes cardiovascular, endurance, flexibility and balance exercises. Examples include:

• Cardiovascular: Walking, jogging, water exercise or stationary biking.
• Endurance or Strength: Light weights, resistance bands or bodyweight exercises like wall push-ups.
• Balance: Tai Chi, balance practice and exercises that improve stability.  
• Flexibility: Gentle stretching or chair stretches for stability.

Michigan State University Extension offers a variety of educational resources to help you stay active. 

Visit the Physical Activity website for more ideas to add to your personal physical activity routine. 

Michigan State University Extension offers A Matter of Balance and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention to support individuals at risk for falls. For more information, visit the Michigan State University Extension Falls Prevention website.