People with diabetes often report symptoms of neuropathy which can affect up to 50% of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Symptoms include numbness or pain in:
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
- Feet
Neuropathy can also affect the organs, including the heart and sex organs.
Back pain is also suffered at a greater rate in diabetes; it could be an added symptom of neuropathy or could be an indication of kidney problems or urinary tract infections. A consultation with a doctor and a simple blood test can help eliminate possible causes of back pain.
Mindfulness found to reduce back pain
Mindfulness meditation has been reported in numerous scientific investigations to have a positive influence on pain management, in general and chronic back pain in particular.
One study conducted in 2008 reported that after an 8 week mindfulness based pain management course, people meditated on average 4.3 days a week for approximately 31.6 minutes per session.
They reported on a Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire that their pain management had improved and were better able to accept and function with the level of pain they were experiencing. [42]
