The effect of massage on diabetic foot risk, glycosylated hemoglobin and physiological parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes

This study was conducted with a randomized controlled experimental design to determine the effects of massage application on diabetic foot risk, HbA1c and physiological parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study was completed with 55 participants, 28 in the intervention group and 27 in the control group. A total of 24 sessions of hand and foot massage were applied to the intervention group for three months, while the control group received routine treatment and care. Data collection tools were; Descriptive Characteristics Form, HbA1c Follow-up Form, Physiological Parameters Follow-up Form, Peripheral Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms Score Form, Ankle-Brake Pressure Index Follow-up Form and Diabetic Foot Examination Form. Data were obtained from both groups before the intervention, after the 12th massage session and after the 24th massage session. In the analysis of the data; number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, 25%-75% percentile (Q1-Q3) values were presented. Independent Two Samples t Test and Mann-Whitney U Test, Mixed Design ANOVA and Friedman Test were used, and the Bonferroni-Dunn Procedure was applied in pairwise comparisons. After massage, the second and third measurements of the intervention group were diabetic foot risk (intervention group 2nd measurement: 4.25±1.88, 3rd measurement: 3.68±1.89, control group 2nd measurement: 7.56±1.93, 3rd measurement: 7.96±1.87), peripheral neuropathy symptom (intervention group 2nd measurement: 4.21±2.69, 3rd measurement: 3.61±2.22, control group 2nd measurement: 5.81±2.29, 3rd measurement: 6.00±2.22) and symptom score (intervention group 2nd measurement: 3.82±1.56, 3rd measurement: 2.86±1.51, control group 2nd measurement: 5.22±1.69, 3rd measurement: 5.30±1.61) ankle brachial pressure index (intervention group 2nd measurement: 1.03±0.1, 3rd measurement: 1.08±0.09, control group 2nd measurement: 0.97±0.09, 3rd measurement: 0.97±0.08) HbA1c value (intervention group 2nd measurement: 7.02±0.75, control group 2nd measurement: 8.47±1.86), systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse mean scores were found to have significant differences compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that massage application in individuals with type 2 diabetes provides blood glucose regulation, prevents the risk of diabetic foot and is effective on physiological parameters.