Do you have diabetes? If yes, you likely are well-acquainted with the fact that the effects of diabetes are often widespread and are not confined to a single organ, area, or body part.
According to CDC’s National Diabetes Report 2020, nearly 1 in 10 people living in the USA have diabetes. This is, by all means, rather alarming.
While people with this issue need to take certain precautions to care for their body in general, they must monitor their foot health with caution. There are many products available in this regard, with diabetic socks being one of them.
This article will walk you through the A-Z of these socks – what they are, their importance, benefits, and who needs them.
Why Do Diabetics Need Special Socks?
For starters, let’s deal with the elephant in the room. Not everybody with diabetes needs to wear these socks. These socks need to be worn only by those who have a predisposition to the following:
- Diabetic Neuropathy – a condition where unusually high blood sugar levels can lead to the numbness of the arms and feet.
- A propensity for developing fungal infections, blisters, and foot injuries.
- Those who have atherosclerosis or are at the risk of developing peripheral arterial disease.
Due to their unique features, the socks can help in boosting blood circulation, protect the wearer from foot injuries and infections, and provide warmth and comfort. Moreover, they come in a range of colors, designs, and patterns – rest assured, if you need to wear them, you won’t be compromising on style.
What Makes them Different from the Rest?
Here are a few features of the socks that make them particularly suited to meet the needs of diabetes patients:
They Don’t Have Seams
The traditional socks come with seams, but this is not the case here. The socks for people with diabetes are designed without seams to minimize the risk of developing ulcers, blisters, and other wounds. This feature is handy for people with a history of high blood sugar.
They Have Outstanding Moisture Absorption Properties
A constant build-up of sweat and moisture in the feet can cause frequent fungal infections, which is a big problem for people with diabetes. That’s why the socks for diabetics are made of breathable fabrics to facilitate quicker absorption.
They Come Without Elastic Binding
While the elastic binding is used to hold the socks in place, it can sometimes restrict the blood supply. To prevent this from happening, these socks steer clear of the binding and use alternative materials to get the job done.
The Soles Have Additional Padding
Irrespective of where you buy the socks, you’ll find that they almost always come with silicone or gel-filled pads around the soles. This is to provide comfort and optimum protection. Moreover, certain socks come with padding in specific regions, like the heels and toe gaps.
They Have Potent Properties
This is perhaps the most important feature of all. The socks can prevent infections and promote healing, thanks to the antimicrobial and disinfectant abilities of the material they are made of.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what sets diabetic socks apart from the rest, don’t you think they are beneficial?
While it is not obligatory for all people with diabetes to own a pair, their powerful moisture absorption and healing properties, padded soles, and seamless design – all make them worth the buy.
Thus, if you or anybody you know would benefit from these socks, go ahead and welcome them into your wardrobe.
Read More: Understanding the impact of diabetes on your body
