Massage and Diabetes: Potential Risks & Precautions

Massage may not be suitable for people with uncontrolled diabetes or certain other medical conditions. Risks might include:

- Nerve damage: High blood sugar can damage nerves, a side effect of diabetes called diabetic neuropathy. Massage can worsen nerve damage if done too firmly.

- Skin infections: Poor blood flow to the skin, another possible complication of diabetes, can make it difficult for a person with diabetes to notice subtle signs of infection and can also slow healing if an infection does develop.

- Bruising: People with diabetes seem more prone to easy bruising. Massage can potentially increase your risk of bruising.