Exercise May Help Ease Diabetes Side Effect

New research is finding that exercise relieves a dangerous side effect of diabetes called neuropathy.

Neuropathy is numbness and muscle weakness in the arms, legs and feet. It can result in ulcers, injuries, even broken bones -- often going undetected because people can't feel the injuries.

"The old advice to patients with neuropathy is to curtail some of their activity," said Dr. Janet McGill, associate professor of medicine at Washington University. "But it's not clear what that advice is based upon."

"The (advice) often prevents people with diabetes from exercising; inactivity compounds their physical problems," said Michael Mueller, associate director of the Movement Science Program at Washington University and head of the research team.

Mueller's study has found that people with neuropathy can exercise with specifically designed programs.

"Not one person who started our program has suffered an injury from (ulcers) due to neuropathy," he said.

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Mueller a $500,000 grant for his study.

While the study has had 100 percent good results, Mueller says it will touch fewer than 100 people by the time it ends in two years. Less than a dozen people have been through the program. The study requires patients to visit the center three times a week for 12 weeks.

A bigger study of several hundred people, would confirm results. Recommending exercise for people with neuropathy is about five years away, he said.

One of his test subjects, Donna Muscarella, 65, of Creve Coeur, said she developed neuropathy about two years ago. She was unable to feel her feet, especially at the sides and soles. Two months into the study, she is pushing a wheelchair-bound friend around casinos and walking as much as she wants.

At the study center, researchers run tests and take photos of her feet. Next, she performs a series of exercises: curling her toes, balancing, stretching and low-impact aerobics.

The retired union organizer says that since she started the study, she's not only feeling better, but, "My feeling is returning," she said.

Mueller cautioned, "These are specific exercises designed for each individual, not just getting up and going to the gym."

McGill, medical consultant for the study, said about 65 percent of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy.

Those who want to walk more should first purchase shoes that fit properly, she said. Ill-fitting shoes damage the feet, she said.

Next, start walking slowly in small distances that get longer as your endurance increases, she said.

Most importantly, ask your doctor to inspect your feet regularly and inspect your own feet daily, she said. Look for bruises, cracks, scars or blisters, she said.

"To tell if you have neuropathy, put a spoon in (cool) water," McGill said. "Put the spoon on your foot. If you can feel it, you don't have it."