I've got type 2 diabetes and poor circulation

tobythekid123

Member
Messages
21
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I've got type 2 diabetes and really poor blood circulation. I am also on quite a few heart medications. I get tingling sensations all the time in my fingers and toes. I've read that using a hot water bottle can help improve circulation. Does anyone have any experience with this? Does the science make sense? Apparently the heat drives blood circulation. I don't know if it's just an urban myth and scared of putting my hopes up.


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Resurgam

Master
Messages
10,026
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
A hot water bottle against cold skin can cause chilblains.
You'd be better off taking fairly warm showers and massaging arms and legs to get the blood flowing - after taking the Astra Zeneca covid jab my lower legs and feet were extremely swollen and a dreadful colour, but persisting with massage made a difference and I survived with all my toes which was actually quite a surprise. It does help to have a knowledge of anatomy, I think - encouraging blood up the veins and then down the arteries alternately and seeing feet deflating and toes changing from purple and white to something much more normal is very reassuring.
Recently, not having the winter fuel allowance we have had to reduce the heating, but have put an extra, lightweight duvet on the bed and bought a mattress topper and I have noticed how much warmer my feet have been. There must be more blood getting to them as my toenails have needed trimming more frequently - always a good sign.
 
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