What Do Diabetic Socks Do?

We’ve written over and over on this blog about the importance of proper footcare when you have diabetes.

Regular podiatry check-ups. Inspecting your feet each day. Taking precautions when trimming your nails.

And then there’s footwear. If you have diabetes, you’ll want to invest in diabetic socks.

What do diabetic socks do?

Diabetic socks are designed to keep your feet dry, preventing blood circulation from slowing and protect against foot injury.

What do diabetic socks do to offer that protection? They wick away moisture thanks to their materials. They offer padding and –- unlike regular socks – are non-elastic and seamless. Without elastic, you don’t get constriction the way you would from regular socks, which prevents swelling and limited blood flow.

Why is this important?

People who have diabetes are at greater risk for foot injuries and infection thanks to high blood sugar levels, which can cause circulatory and nerve damage.

This nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, lowers the sensation in your extremities, which means that you can injure the bottom of your foot without knowing. And circulation issues make it more difficult for wounds to heal.

These issues can lead to serious, if not fatal, health problems.

Do I need to wear diabetic socks?

A diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean you automatically need to buy diabetic socks. However, given what you’ll need from your socks from now on – comfortable, non-constricting, with no lumps or seams – you’d be better off simply investing in diabetic socks.

Diabetic socks can help when:

• You have diabetes and are dealing with redness, irritation, blisters or nerve damage to your feet, or if the skin has changed color.
• You have diabetes and deal with extreme moisture or sweating
• You’re pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
• You have diabetes and will be seated for a long time while traveling, as these socks can promote circulation and reduce swelling (particularly compression socks that go up to the knee or cover the calf)

If any of these describe you, talk with your doctor about using diabetic socks.

What do diabetic socks do to help me?

Diabetic socks can help with people prone to infections and foot injuries because of diabetes by:

• Keeping the feet dry so that excess moisture won’t cause fungal infections
• These socks often contain antimicrobial features to prevent bacterial and fungal growth
• They decrease swelling, keep the feet warm to boost circulation
• They’re seamless, so there’s less risk of rubbing and blisters, which can lead to ulcers in people with neuropathy or high blood sugar.
• Diabetic socks provide extra padding for sensitive areas like the soles of your feet, which can help prevent foot injuries
• When you have diabetes, you might not know you’ve been injured. The white soles on diabetic socks can signal if you’ve sustained an injury or have a wound that is draining

What do diabetic socks do? They provide the basics of comfort while protecting your feet against potentially serious health problems.

Creative Care is proud to provide that comfort and protection. People with diabetes have counted on our diabetic socks for more than 30 years. Visit our online store to find a pair that’s right for you.