Diabetes Awareness Month: How Physical Therapy Supports People with Diabetes

By Frank J. Scerbo, PT, DPT, CSCS ///

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on how physical therapy supports people with diabetes in managing symptoms, staying active, and improving quality of life. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and millions more are at risk—making education, early intervention, and physical activity more important than ever.

At our Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation clinic in Edgewater, NJ, we work with many patients living with diabetes who face challenges like nerve pain, circulation problems, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness. With the right combination of targeted exercises, pain management techniques, and personalized education, physical therapy can make a lasting difference in helping patients move safely and confidently every day.

Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Movement

Diabetes affects how your body processes glucose, but its impact goes beyond blood sugar levels—it can also affect the nervous system, circulation, muscles, and joints. Many individuals with diabetes experience complications such as:

• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet and hands)
• Reduced circulation and slower healing
• Joint stiffness and limited mobility (especially in shoulders, hips, and ankles)
• Muscle weakness and balance challenges

These physical limitations can make daily activities more difficult—and that’s where physical therapy plays a key role.

How Physical Therapy Helps People with Diabetes

At Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, we design personalized therapy and exercise programs that address the unique challenges diabetes can create. Our goal is to improve movement, reduce pain, and help patients safely stay active while managing their blood sugar levels.

Here’s how physical therapy supports diabetes management:

1. Improved Circulation and Blood Sugar Control

Regular physical activity helps your muscles use glucose more efficiently, which can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. We guide patients through safe, low-impact exercises such as walking programs, aquatic therapy, cycling, or gentle resistance training to promote circulation and overall health.

2. Pain Management and Neuropathy Relief

If you experience nerve pain or numbness, specific neuromuscular and balance exercises, along with manual therapy and gentle stretching, can help improve nerve function and reduce discomfort. Our therapists also teach foot and ankle strengthening routines to help prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury.

3. Improved Mobility and Joint Function

Diabetes can cause stiffness and limited range of motion—especially in the shoulders and legs. Through guided stretching, joint mobilization, and posture training, physical therapy helps restore flexibility and ease of movement so you can stay active and independent.

4. Wound Care and Education

For patients with circulation issues or foot ulcers, we provide education on foot care, skin protection, and safe exercise modifications to promote healing and prevent complications. Early intervention through physical therapy can make a significant difference in maintaining limb health and avoiding future injuries.

5. Personalized Exercise Guidance

We understand that every person with diabetes has different goals, health concerns, and fitness levels. Your therapist will tailor an exercise plan that takes into account your blood sugar levels, any nerve pain or mobility challenges, and your overall medical history—ensuring that movement feels both safe and rewarding.

Building Strength and Confidence Through Movement

The benefits of physical therapy for diabetes extend beyond the physical. Consistent movement, education, and guided therapy help our patients feel more in control of their health. Over time, we see improvements not only in strength and balance, but also in confidence, energy, and overall well-being.

Take the First Step Toward Better Health

If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, remember: you don’t have to manage it alone. Physical therapy can be an essential part of your care plan—helping you move better, feel stronger, and live healthier every day. Together, we can design a program tailored to your unique needs and goals.

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Dr. Frank J. Scerbo, PT, DPT, MS, CSCS, received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Columbia University and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers University). He is a Certified Advanced Hip Clinician and Certified Overhead Athlete Specialist through the Hospital For Special Surgery. His specialty is in the area of adult and pediatric orthopedic physical therapy, with a particular interest in post-surgical rehabilitation. Dr. Scerbo is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is an adjunct Professor for the Kean University Physical Therapy Program. He has been on the advisory board for the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Rehabilitation Network for the past 10 years.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr. Scerbo or any of our expert licensed physical therapists, please call us at (201) 941-2240 or use our convenient online appointment form.