Tactile massage improves glycaemic control in women with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate how tactile massage (TM), short term and over time, affects blood glucose, stress hormones and well‐being in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, at a primary health care centre in the South Western Health Care Region of Stockholm.The study was carried out as a pilot. Women aged 35 years and older with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Eleven participants completed the study and eight patients retained their diabetes treatment. The patients received tactile, whole‐body massage for 60 minutes once a week for 10 weeks. Before the massage treatments, one week after and 12 weeks after that, blood samples were taken, body measurements were made and questionnaires were completed (n=11).The results for all patients (n=11) showed decreases in blood glucose in connection with the massage treatments (p<0.05). In addition, the results for these patients showed a significant reduction of B‐HbA1c from measurement before the massage treatments, mean 6.3, one week after finishing the massage treatments, mean 5.4 (p<0.01), and 12 weeks after the massage treatments, mean 5.4 (p<0.05). This was also found when the three patients who had their medication changed (because of the risk of hypoglycaemia) were excluded (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found regarding the hormones oxytocin, CRF )cortico‐releasing hormone) and ACTH (adenocorticotrophin hormone).This study is the first of its kind to show improved metabolic control (B‐HbA1c) in diabetic patients who have received TM. Although theories have been put forward, the mechanisms behind this change are unclear. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.