Hearing the diagnosis that increased insulin sensitivity means you have type-2 diabetes can be a shock and trying to figure out what to do next can feel overwhelming. Most people know the basics: talk with a doctor about any medication they recommend to ameliorate the condition, start an approved diet and exercise plan to help maintain a healthy weight and so on. Yet many may not know that there are certain complications of the disease that require special care, specifically neuropathy and nerve damage. It’s why diabetic socks make sense for patients looking to minimize injury.
Alarming Statistics for Diabetics
Recent improvements in blood sugar control and other techniques used to help diabetes patients has decreased the likelihood of amputation of the lower limbs, yet one in 500 women and three times as many men will face the loss of a foot or leg each year. Those numbers grow as patients age.
Those rates are particularly concerning due to the increase in type-2 diabetes diagnoses in the United States. There are more than 25 million adults with type-1 or type-2 diabetes and the latter number is growing, in part because of problems with obesity. While a doctor with the Centers for Disease Control, Nilka Rios Burrows, noted that the numbers are dropping, “more work is needed.” One way to do that is with a comprehensive care plan that includes diabetic socks.
Government Recommendations for Diabetic Sock Use
The National Institutes of Health note that caring for one’s feet plays a critical role in limiting the ravages of diabetic neuropathy. While following these steps will not necessarily limit the extent of nerve damage nor reverse the process, it will limit the complications of sores and ulcers:
1) Wear socks that wick moisture away and ones that are not tight or with extensive elastics. Also be sure to wear thicker ones during the winter and thinner ones during the summer even though you may not be able to feel the changes in temperature.
2) Examine feet and calves daily for signs of wounds or injuries that you may no longer be able to feel.
3) Use lukewarm water and mild soap and be sure to dry yourself gently but completely.
4) Find shoes that are spacious enough that there are no hot spots where the fabric or leather presses directly into the skin to improve the effectiveness of protective socks. When you first buy a new pair, break them in gently, perhaps wearing them for just an hour or so per day until they are comfortable enough to wear daily.
As part of a holistic plan to maintain one’s health, it should be noted that diabetic socks like those offered by Creative Care are seamless in order to prevent rubbing and many offerings may even have two layers. They combine a thin wicking layer to reduce moisture with a padded outer layer to protect from knocks or scrapes.
It is important to consult with one’s family physician or in some cases a podiatrist to outline what steps a person dealing with this condition should take, including dietary changes and any other needs to go along with diabetic socks. Speaking of doctors, the medical benefits of these accessories may even allow some buyers to get help defraying their cost.
Misconception: Health Insurance Does Not Cover Diabetic Socks
The policy documents for most health insurance plans are lengthy and filled with fine print. Many people dealing with neuropathy may not be aware that depending on the sock’s construction, a portion or all of its cost may be covered by one’s insurer.
For older people with insulin sensitivity, purchasing diabetic socks is not generally covered by Medicare. However, if you had been using regular ones or for some other reason developed a sore, the federal program does cover socks bought to protect wounds from infection and further injury. Private sector plans may pay for some or all of the bills as part of preventive care programs, since wearing pairs reduces the risk of sores or infected cuts.
Shop Diabetic Socks at Creative Care
Creative Care’s diabetic sock offerings are designed to help patients enjoy their lives without fearing injury from fabric rubbing against numb skin or sweat causing sores. See our products to find the style and size that fits your needs. We also offer related products including dressing covers and brace and body sleeves. If you have any questions or would like to discuss alterations to one of our products, call us at 800-973-9939 or fill out the contact form above.
As per the studies made on diabetic patients, doctors and nurses prefer including more volume of fibre rich fruits of their diet.
These fruits with low sugar concentration works well for controlling blood sugar levels level with a maximum extend.