Diabetic Socks: An Accessory or a Necessity?

Socks are perhaps the most overlooked accessory in our day to day life. We know that Socks are a daily wardrobe neccessity, but most of us do not even bother to check the condition of the socks we wear to college or to work. However,  people diagnosed with Diabetes have to choose their socks with extra care and caution. The choice of socks is especially important to a diabetic patient because of health complications that can be avoided through the use of diabetic socks. 

Diabetic patients suffer from high levels of blood glucose level which often results in nerve damage or poor blood circulation. Periphel neuropathy affects nerves throughout the body, which causes either pain or loss of feeling in the legs, feet, arms, hands and toes.  As a result, one is not able to feel any sores or wounds on the feet. This further leads to acute infection when the sores and wounds are left untreated. Since the high blood glucose level decreases circulation and the immunity of the body to fight infections;  serous cases end with amputation as the end result. 

One way to help control infections of the feet and lower extremeties, is to purchase appropriate  Diabetic shoes and socks. Diabetic Socks for patients should be chosen on the basis of the fiber composition of the socks and the construction of the socks. Doctors usually recommend well cushioned socks made out of natural fabrics such as cotton and wool. These fabrics have greater absorbency and also allow adequate circulation of air, which prevents infection from setting in. The socks should be non binding and should not cause constriction around any part of the feet or legs.

The question has been asked: Do Diabetics really need Diabetic Socks or it just another marketing ploy to feed off  Diabetes? 

As with any other Product or Service you are thinking about purchasing, you need to consider the facts about that product, age of the Diabetes patient, activity factors, infection rate etc.

Manufacturers market socks for people that have foot sensitivities. They make them seamless, providing less irritation to the foot/toes that are non-binding  which would not restrict blood flow to the foot.

I have seen to many cases in which small preventative steps could have prevented amputations and the pain and discomfort the Diabetic patients experienced. If you have Diabetes take preventative measures, check blisters and sores on your feet regularly.

 The feet should always be kept clean & moisture free and should be examined by a doctor at least 4-5 times in a year. Never allow a non professional to trim your toenails or apply treatment to your feet.