Lower amputations due to diabetes are a growing concern in the USA and doctors are recommending the use of diabetic socks to prevent the onset of blisters and sores that can lead to serious complications in diabetic patients.

Diabetic Socks, Defined

Wearing shoes can cause a diabetic harm. The lack of sensation in the feet deters the diabetic from sensing the presence of blisters or irritations on the feet caused by moisture. Because there is poor blood circulation in the feet, the blister develops fast into ulcers or deep wounds. To protect the feet, diabetic socks are recommended.

Diabetic socks are chiefly synthetic materials or a combination of cotton, nylon, and elastic fibers. These are seamless to prevent any undue pressure on the skin and are padded for added cushioning and comfort. The design of these socks prevents compression in the feet and lower leg area already affected by poor circulation; and as a rule, these socks should keep the feet cool and dry at all times.

Diabetes and Diabetic Socks

When diabetes strikes, the feet get much of the punishment. Sensation is diminished due to nerve damage and is abetted by impaired blood circulation. When a blister occurs, even a pimple-sized blister, this can create complications that may lead to unavoidable lower limb or foot amputation. The damage to the nerves is caused by or maybe triggered by the combination of the following factors: high blood glucose, damaged blood vessels, and inflammation linked to diabetes.

To prevent feet problems, diabetic socks have thicker padding, are looser than regular socks, and have wider cuffs. The looseness of the socks prevents compression on the lower legs and feet promoting blood circulation in these areas. Since these socks should be worn at all times, these should be extremely comfortable. Recommended materials for diabetic socks are cotton or wool, to help the feet breathe.

How to Choose Diabetic Socks

There are different diabetic socks for different needs. But the first rule is, choose socks that your doctor recommends because your particular case will best respond to this suggestion. In addition, the doctor’s counsel gives you the confidence when picking out your pair of diabetic socks.

If you need added cushioning on feet soles or heels, select padded socks. Padded socks minimize the danger of foot abrasions caused by the foot’s constant rubbing against the insides of the shoes.

Cotton and nylon socks are best because these absorb sweat and allows for fast evaporation, allow air circulation, and prevent odor and bacteria. These should stretch well but must be durable. Cotton and nylon socks should have loose tops to aid blood circulation to the feet; so check out that the tops fit to be sure they do not bite into the flesh.

Purchase different socks appropriate for different activities. If you need more leg support, socks that extend to the knees would provide that support. Ankle or quarter socks are great for running or other sporting activities.

For everyday use, the crew socks offer flexibility for different physical activities. For cold weather, longer socks over or around the calf area will give the warmth the feet need. Lastly choose socks of lighter colors so it is easy for you to detect blood pooling from undetected blisters or an existing wound.

If you are diabetic or have a loved one affected by the disease, choose the best diabetic socks available suited to your needs.

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects over 250,000 people in America alone.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness besides traumatic injury. It is also the main reason that people need amputations in the US.

Yes Diabetes is nothing to mess around with, it is very serious, but not a death sentence.

The key to living a healthier fuller lifestyle is to control your diabetes before it controls you. Put yourself in the driver’s seat. There is no cure for diabetes but by making the right food and lifestyle choices you can still live life to the fullest.

Testing your blood glucose after eating new foods will help you determine how different foods affect you. This knowledge is essential for charting a healthy course in everyday life. Another thing to keep in mind is not to dwell on what you can’t have but celebrate all the foods that you can enjoy.

Diabetes Mellitus is the correct name of this disease. If diabetes is left untreated it is fatal. Fortunately today diabetes can be treated with insulin and proper diet. Still no ones knows the precise cause though there is strong evidence of type 1 diabetes being inebriated.

Types of Diabetes.

Type 1 the pancreas stops making insulin. This type of diabetes used to be call “juvenile diabetes because people would get it before the age of 30. The current medical thinking is leaning towards that it is really a malfunction of the immune system that has been triggered by a viral infection and does not stop killing cells after the virus has been stopped. Eventually all these cells are destroyed in the pancreas can no longer produce any insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

This type occurs in people over 40 years old. Many of its victims are over weight, have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The pancreas is still producing insulin but the insulin does not work effectively so the body signals back to the pancreas to produce more and more insulin. This ineffectiveness of insulin production can be supplemented by taking insulin shots.

Gestational Diabetes

This type occurs during pregnancy because the woman’s body can not produce enough insulin due to hormonal changes. Gestational Diabetes subsides after the birth of the child but leaves the woman with a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes down the road.

Risk Factors of Diabetes

Overweight people have a very high risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Poor diets that are too high in fats and sugar combined with a lack of exercise all contribute to the risk factor. Combine these with increasing age and the chances of developing type 2 diabetes get pretty high. It has been found that 60 to 90% of people with this type of diabetes are over weight and well over 40 years old.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Most of the time there are none, which makes it so important to get regular diabetes screenings for early diction. Diabetes can be detected by a simple blood test.

So if you are over weight, over 40 and if there is any history of diabetes in your family, go to your doctor and get tested. There is no cure for diabetes but it is much easier to control when detected early.

Adult type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes and non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is the most common type of diabetes. It is estimated that about seven percent of the U.S. population suffers from the disease and it is the sixth leading cause of death. Having adult type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious and life altering complications including: Heart disease and stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, kidney failure, vision problems, foot ailments, hypoglycemia, sexual problems, skin and oral infections and depression.

The treatment of adult type 2 diabetes varies from person to person. Whether you have other active medical problems, whether you have complications of diabetes, and your age and general health at the time of diagnosis are all factors. It must be understood that the disease is not going away and a life long regimen of monitoring blood sugar, eating healthy foods, exercise, oral medication and sometimes, the self-injection of insulin will have to be implemented. The goal is to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible to delay or prevent complications. In fact, tight control of blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of diabetes-related heart attacks and strokes by more than 50 percent.

Diet is an important consideration when you find you suffer from adult type 2 diabetes. Many people wrongly believe that eliminating all their favorite foods and snacks will be necessary, but moderation is the key. Dietary guidelines for those with diabetes is similar to what is recommended for everyone, but with more emphasis on control of weight and blood sugar. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of healthy foods, and implementing a good exercise program. Obesity is a leading risk factor for adult type 2 diabetes. Obesity is found in approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with the disease. Decrease your weight if it is too high. In addition to diabetes, obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, hypertension, hypothyroidism, congestive heart failure, gout, pregnancy complications and many other problems.

Exercise is of primary importance in the prevention and management of adult type 2 diabetes. Exercise helps keep blood glucose levels down and has other health benefits, as well. Prevention of the disease will require measures to promote exercise and reduce obesity. Symptoms of adult type 2 diabetes can begin so gradually that a person may not be concerned at first. Symptoms include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, increased appetite, unexplained fatigue, slow healing cuts, bruises, and wounds, frequent or lingering infections.

Until about 10 years ago, children who were diagnosed with diabetes typically had type 1, or juvenile-onset diabetes. However, more and more children today are being diagnosed with type 2. Although this is still a fairly infrequent occurrence, medical professionals are concerned because of the rise in childhood obesity.

Adult type 2 diabetes is a life long illness. The risk of getting it increases dramatically if you are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle and have a family history of the disease. It is important to have annual checkups with blood work and always be on the lookout for the symptoms.