When someones blood sugar level becomes too high or too low, he or she is said to be suffering from diabetes. People use various medical equipment such as a blood glucose monitor, glucose test strips, syringes, and lancets to manage this illness.
Although many people who have diabetes may not consider diabetic socks to be a necessity in managing their illness, such socks are important to remain in good health. Diabetic socks help prevent various complications that can crop up among those with diabetes.
About diabetic socks
Purpose of a diabetic socks is to protect the feet of those with diabetes and to provide comfort. Such socks do not have any seams as regular socks do and unlike regular socks, diabetic socks are non-elastic. The simple reason why such socks are non-elastic is to help prevent feet from becoming constricted due to swelling. They are also seamless so as to be gentle on the nerves by preventing friction and minimizing pain. Such socks reduce pressure in the lower leg and foot while preventing blistering on the skin’s surface and also minimise the accumulation of moisture on the feet.
A tight sock can lead to a constriction in blood flow; a diabetic sock being non-elastic prevents any hindrance in circulation to the calf. Good circulation is important to the body because when circulation is hindered to a region of the body, it becomes more difficult for this region of the body to heal properly. Diabetic socks are also gently cushioned and so protect the leg better from injury than do ordinary socks. An additional benefit of wearing such socks is that as peoples feet tend to perspire which leads to sweat being accumulated between a wearers socks and shoes, diabetic socks with their moisture wicking feature, are able to keep the wearer’s feet dry and thus lower the risk of blister formation and fungal infection.
Kinds of diabetic socks
A variety of diabetic socks are manufactured differing in the material with which they are constructed, the thickness of padding used, and the styles and length of the socks. Acrylic, bamboo, charcoal mixed with spandex, and merino wool are just a few of the materials that may be used together to make a pair of diabetic socks. Such materials are used because they wick away sweat from the wearer’s feet better than do materials used in ordinary socks. Wick away simply means that diabetic socks are able to pull away moisture to the exterior of the socks and away from a wearers foot. Once moisture is on the surface of a diabetic sock, it can evaporate more quickly. The spandex used in diabetic socks allows easier movement than does the elastic used in conventional socks.
Diabetic socks are all the more useful as the wool, bamboo, and charcoal used to make such socks have antimicrobial properties. This is especially important to those with diabetes because if someone with diabetes is injured, the injury combined with a presence of bacteria and moisture can be quite dangerous to such a person.
Another useful quality of diabetic socks is that they have padding which makes them very useful for someone who has to be on their feet for long periods of time. Diabetic socks come with padding in different regions of the socks and such padding varies in thickness as well. For instance, if someone has to be standing for long durations of time, they would need socks with extra padding on their heel whereas someone who is more athletic and runs will require such padding on the ball of the foot. A sportsperson who plays soccer or tennis will want additional padding on the toe of the foot so as to prevent injury.
There are many different varieties of diabetic socks available for sale. Ideally, if someone has circulatory issues, socks that come over the calf and over the knee are best. For sportspersons with active lifestyles sports diabetic socks that come up to the ankle or crew are available.
Positive impact on health
Many people with diabetes are able to enjoy a full and physically active lifestyle thanks in no small part to diabetic socks. As explained above diabetic socks help those with diabetic maintain an active and outdoorsmen like lifestyle while protecting them from the most common dangers they may face. Such socks may not be necessary for everyone with diabetes, yet those who wear such socks testify that diabetic socks have enriched their life experience in spite of their diabetes.
(Disclaimer: The writer is Raj Kumar Jain, MD, Bonjour. The views expressed are personal.)
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