If you have diabetes, you know the many areas of health and wellbeing that can be impacted. Reduced mobility is, unfortunately, another complication arising from diabetes. So, how is mobility decreased? Many side-effects of this chronic condition can contribute to physical difficulties, disabilities, and challenges, which in turn affect mobility. Here is what you need to know!
Do you or someone you love have diabetes? It is far more common than one may think, and the side effects and complications of diabetes are extensive. One area impacted is mobility. For example, reduced mobility can be a complication of diabetic neuropathy or vision changes due to diabetes. In some instances, mobility aids may help enhance accessibility and preserve quality of life. Consult with your healthcare provider to learn more about your diabetic risks or diagnosis.
Various complications from diabetes can greatly impact your mobility, including these:
Vision Impairment
One way that diabetes can impact mobility is with visual impairment. It is not uncommon for diabetics to suffer from eye pathologies that lead to temporary and permanent eye issues- even blindness. The level of impairment varies, but it may be acute enough to cause issues with walking. One way that this occurs is with a loss of depth perception, which may cause many people to stumble or fall. Sugar levels can also cause temporary blurriness of vision, with severity changing from one day to the next.
Limb Sensation
Another complication that may arise is diabetic neuropathy, which can impact the sensation you have in your extremities. This condition can impair the feelings in your legs and feet, making it difficult or even dangerous to walk. Diabetic motor neuropathy can also cause a condition called ‘foot drop.’ Foot drop is when you have trouble lifting the toes and top of your foot, which could cause you to trip, fall, or get hurt.
Chronic Pain
The sheer pain of diabetes is a complication severe enough that it can impede mobility. Neuropathy impacts nerves, so chronic pain is not uncommon among diabetics. Some individuals may find relief with medications prescribed by their physicians, but side effects from those could also affect mobility or cause a loss of coordination among many.
Muscle Weakness
Did you know that diabetics are more prone to muscle weakness and wasting than others? Some sufferers may be recommended surgery to resolve the use of limbs, but it is not without its own risks and complications. This weakness can lead to atrophy of muscles which eventually erodes the ability to walk and mobility, in general.
Amputation
Diabetics often endure amputation of limbs due to complications from the disease. Infections, inflammation, or loss of circulation can contribute to the need to amputate feet, legs, hands, or more. Any kind of amputation could detrimentally impact mobility, causing loss of coordination or balance. If you undergo an amputation related to your diabetes, follow through with physical therapy to retain as much physical mobility as possible. The risks of an amputation further reinforce why it is so critical to manage and treat diabetes vigilantly.
Obesity
Diabetes and obesity are akin to a ‘chicken-and-egg’ scenario; which comes first? The truth is the two are related and if you are obese, you are more prone to becoming diabetic, while if you are diabetic, odds are you could be overweight. It boils down to how your body metabolizes glucose and insulin resistance. It can become a cycle that merits discussion with your doctor to find out more. Managing your weight with a healthy diet and physical activity should not be underestimated when it comes to treating and living with diabetes.
Autonomy
If you live with diabetes and related health complications, you may lose a lot of your independence due to the disease. From side effects impacting your ability to stand or walk, to a fear of falling and subsequent loss of confidence, diabetes influences your autonomy. Previous experiences, such as accidents or injuries, may make many afraid to live on their own or skeptical about their ability to do so. A diagnosis of diabetes can be scary; awareness, insight, and support can help make navigating this complex disease much less daunting.
National Sugar Awareness Week in January is a time to help raise awareness of diabetes, as well as the complications that can arise from this disease. Another 98 million people are pre-diabetic, meaning that lifestyle changes and treatment could help reverse their condition. It is estimated that nearly 38 million Americans have diabetes- but only around 20% are aware of their diagnosis. If you have diabetes, know that you are not alone.
Restore accessibility and autonomy resulting from diabetic complications with quality mobility aids from Pacific Mobility. We offer unsurpassed products and unrivaled customer service; call or visit today!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
