Monday, September 3, 2012

Pet Therapy For Diabetics

There are several health benefits of having an animal companion.
*A great reason to exercise. Physical activity can help you lose weight or prevent weight gain, both of which are important factors in controlling blood sugar levels for those with Type 2 diabetes. And knowing that your dog has to go outside for a walk can get you up and moving when you might stay on the couch instead. If you're looking for more exercise, chose a dog over a cat. Physical activity tends to occur more frequently in dog owners over non-dog owners. Aim for 30 to 45 minutes 5 times a week. Both you and your dog will love it.
*Supportive companion. Pets decrease feelings of loneliness and provide unconditional love, which is important if you're feeling down about your diabetes or depressed. Pets often help you cope better with difficult situations. Pet owners have a milder reaction to stress and recovered more quickly from stressful situations than those without animals.
*An alert system. Some animals with heightened senses are able to know when their owner's blood sugar is running low. Many with dogs have reported their dogs have exhibited change in behavior when their owners were experiencing hypoglycemia. Researchers believe that dogs may sense the low blood sugar by smell or by noticing change in their owners' mannerisms. There are several organizations in the United States that match trained hypoglycemia-alert dogs with diabetics.
Animals do not care if you're overweight, what you do for a living, or where you live. They love you unconditionally for who you are. Pets can be better than human companions because of this!
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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