Studies show that among patients of diabetes, vibration senses in the feet deteriorate slightly in the 5 years following diagnosis. Diabetes vibration tests are often given to test for diabetes neuropathy, or nerve damage which often begins in the feet and legs. In the test, a 128 Hz tuning fork is used. It is applied to the tip of the hallux and bony prominences.
Before the diabetes vibration test begins, it is important to give a non-vibrating stimulus.This is to verify that the person is giving a positive response to the vibration sense and not just the touch sensation. A tool called the vibratory perception (VPT) meter, or biothesiometer, can also be used to quantify the sensory loss.
In this test a probe is applied to the foot, usually at the big toe. With the diabetes vibration VPT machine, you can increase the intensity by turning the dial. The point on the dial at which the vibration is felt is then recorded. The likelihood of developing a neuropathic ulcer is much higher if a person scores a reading greater than 30 to 40 volts, according to Sydney.edu.au. A diabetic should be tested annually (at least) with tests such as this.
Diabetes Vibration Exercise
For many years people have scoffed at the idea of using vibration machines as a way to exercise. Now, whole body vibration (WBV) machines can be found in most gyms. It turns out that if properly used WBV machines can help people lose weight and trim fat. This is especially helpful in burning weight around your midsection, which is a risk factor for many metabolic disorders.
These diabetes vibration machines works best if it moves up and down. Those that move from side-to-side are not considered helpful or safe, according to DiabetesHealth.com. Now-a-days people stand on these vibrating plates and carry out conventional exercises such as push-ups or squats.
The reason this helps is because the work is accelerated in the movement of the muscles. In addition the muscles lengthen momentarily, which them to relax. This stretching and contracting strengthens your muscles while it metabolizing fat.
One study, which is noted on the website DiabetesHealth.com, tested 61 obese volunteers for one year. They were divided into 4 groups: 1) was placed on a calorie-restricted diet with no exercise, 2) was placed on the same diet but also exercised three times a week, 3) was place on the same diet and stood on their vibration plates and was asked to exercise for 32 exercises for 30 to 60 seconds, 4) was not asked to diet or exercise (the control). Out of the 4 groups, the group that exercised on the vibrating plates lost the most weight.
