Footwear & Diabetes

Managing a disease like diabetes requires quite a bit of education. Patients need to learn how to care for their health around their lifestyle, beyond just monitoring food consumption. Among the most critical aspects of diabetes care are proper foot care and footwear. So what do you need to know if you or someone you love is learning how to manage diabetes?

Foot-related problems for people with diabetes come from blood flow issues related to your blood sugar spiking. As a result, the arteries sustain damage and become hardened, restricting the blood flow in your cardiovascular system. Untreated feet can sustain nerve damage, leaving you unable to register the pain from scratches, cuts, or injuries, which could lead to infection. Additionally, you may experience uncomfortable nerve-damage-related sensations in the feet or cannot feel heat or cold in your extremities.

Doctors recommend several regular self-care steps for those living with diabetes. First, a yearly visit for an evaluation by a foot doctor is recommended. Seeing the podiatrist regularly will reduce your risk of getting a wound that leads to amputation.

Additionally, those with diabetes should perform regular self-exams of their feet. Doctors also recommend washing and drying the feet daily.

Finally, suitable footwear is crucial for your care. Stephen Ogedengbe, MD said ''There is no such thing as perfect footwear for persons with diabetes mellitus. However, some shoes can help prevent or delay the onset of foot ulceration in diabetes. There are also shoes which can cause or help accelerate the development of foot ulceration."

A proper diabetic shoe will give the wearer comfort and protection. Look for shoes with the following qualities:

• Soft insoles to prevent back and forth movement

• Made of leather, canvas, or suede to allow air to circulate

• Have buckles or velcro for easy adjustment and closure

• Rounded toes rather than pointed toes

• Shoes that allow even foot pressure distribution (not too flat or too high.)

• A firm heel for stability

• A protective toe box to prevent injury

• A non-skid sole to prevent falls

If you need help choosing a diabetic shoe, Rogers Pharmacy is here to help you. We have a variety of comfortable and stylish shoes geared toward your diabetes-related foot care needs. Rogers Pharmacy can help with all of your healthcare needs and provide you with superior products and knowledgeable staff. 

Stop by and see us at 125 East South Avenue in Maryville, or call us at 660-562-2300. 

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Sources:

https://www.vascularnyc.com/blog/how-does-diabetes-impact-your-feet

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20110422/many-diabetes-patients-wear-the-wrong-shoes

https://www.ankle-footspecialist.com/blog/diabetic-shoes-why-you-need-them