National Virtual Education Series-Diabetes & Metabolic Disease: What RMTs Need to Know
MTAM
Alexsandra (Sandy) Koropas, RN, Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator
Zoom Room
1 Core Credit (MTAM). Check with your governing body re: CEU approval
Free for all RMTs
Thursday, October 29, 2026. 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Registered Massage Therapists regularly treat patients living with diabetes, pre-diabetes and metabolic disease, sometimes before related complications are fully recognized. These conditions can affect circulation, nerve function, tissue healing, skin integrity and infection risk, creating important considerations for massage therapy assessment and treatment.
In this practical, clinically focused session, Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator Sandy Koropas will explore what RMTs need to recognize when working with patients affected by diabetes and metabolic disease.
Participants will examine changes in sensation and circulation, neuropathy, skin and foot health, wound healing, treatment considerations, signs of blood glucose disturbance and red flags requiring referral.
The session will focus on applying this knowledge within the RMT scope of practice to support safe assessment, appropriate treatment modification and informed clinical decision-making.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe how diabetes and metabolic disease can affect circulation, nerve function, tissue healing, skin integrity and infection risk, and relate these changes to massage therapy practice.
- Identify common skin and foot findings associated with diabetes, including dry or fragile skin, cracking, ulcers, wounds, infection and sensory changes that may require treatment modification or referral.
- Apply appropriate assessment and treatment modifications for patients with diabetes or metabolic disease, including considerations related to pressure, pacing, treatment area, compromised tissue and reduced sensation.
- Recognize clinical red flags and signs of blood glucose disturbance that require treatment to be modified or stopped and determine when referral or emergency procedures are appropriate.
- Document relevant assessment findings, treatment modifications, observed symptoms and referrals while maintaining clear boundaries between the RMT role and management of diabetes.
Alexsandra (Sandy) Koropas, RN, Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator has more than 20 years of healthcare experience specializing in chronic disease management, diabetes education and patient-centred care. Her work focuses on translating complex medical information into practical, compassionate guidance that supports individuals in managing their health.
Sandy has worked across hospital, rural and Indigenous health settings, collaborating closely with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to improve access to diabetes education and address gaps in care. Her experience includes supporting individuals and families living with diabetes, insulin dependence, metabolic disease and weight-management concerns, with an emphasis on long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Her approach is grounded in equity, trust and an understanding of how healthcare systems affect individuals and families.
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