The thought of needing to buy specific socks just because you have diabetes may appear to be just another method for the diabetic community to profit. In actuality, many people with diabetes would greatly benefit from diabetic socks, while others would find them redundant. There are many diabetic socks for sale available in the market.
The effects of diabetes on your feet
Diabetes may seriously harm your fingers, toes, and entire foot, just as it can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, scalp, and stomach. While high blood sugar levels and high HbA1c levels are to be expected in everyday living with diabetes, chronically high blood sugar levels and high HbA1c levels will irreversibly damage blood vessels and neurons throughout your whole body.
“Peripheral neuropathy” is the name for this prevalent diabetic condition.
The more your feet’s blood vessels and nerves are injured, the more sensation and feeling you lose in your toes and whole foot. When you add in chronically high blood sugars, a simple blister or cut, and a sweaty foot that’s been encased in socks and shoes all day, you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Then you’ve got yourself a potentially deadly illness on your hands.
The longer it takes for a wound to heal, the more probable it is to get infected, especially if blood sugar levels remain high. An infection that cannot be adequately treated with non-invasive methods — such as a “complete contact cast” — is, therefore, a danger of spreading. The further it spreads from your toes to your feet, the more dangerous it becomes, and the more probable an amputation will be required to preserve your entire limb and your life.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, if you’ve had a foot ulcer, the chances of that location being infected again are quite high.
So, what exactly are diabetic socks?
Simply put, socks created exclusively for diabetics are meant to keep your feet dry, reduce restrictive and painful friction, and improve blood circulation.
To avoid bacterial and fungal diseases, keep your feet dry. The capacity of diabetic socks to keep your feet dryer than regular socks is perhaps the most crucial attribute that aids persons with diabetes. Diabetic socks are constructed with unique fabric combinations that assist in “wicking away” moisture and keeping your feet dry while exercising or walking for a lengthy period. The humidity that comes with a long day in regular socks and shoes hinders your foot’s ability to heal wounds and blisters, putting you at risk for severe infections. Fabrics used in diabetic socks include spandex, bamboo, elastic, lycra, cotton, nylon, and viscose.
Who should buy diabetic socks?
Simply said, anybody with diabetes might benefit from diabetic socks, but those with neuropathy and a history of foot ulcers are the ones for whom diabetic socks could save their feet. It’s critical to understand the distinction between “diabetes socks” and “compression socks.” This distinction is apparent in all the diabetic socks for sale in the current market.
Compression socks are intended to raise blood pressure by increasing pressure on the legs. This helps return blood to your heart more rapidly, reducing swelling and the danger of blood clots. Diabetic socks are meant to reduce the risk of wounds, blisters, infection, poor circulation, and moisture, which can lead to amputation. Finally, diabetic socks may not be something you can afford to wear all of the time due to the high cost of purchasing enough of them. You may, however, buy a couple of pairs to wear during activities that expose your feet to more blisters, cuts, and perspiration.