Diabetic shoes for men and women

Diabetic shoes for men and women are vital especially if they suffer from diabetes type I. Diabetic shoes eliminate the risk of medical complications arising from skin breakdowns due to ill fitting shoes.

The importance of diabetic shoes for men and women

People with diabetic neuropathy in their feet are highly prone to ulcers under the foot. These ulcers can develop within a couple of hours of wearing an ill fitting shoe. For a healthy person, an ulcer anywhere including under the foot is not a big deal but for a diabetic, an ulcer could mean months of agony from having to limp around. The only way a diabetic can cut the risk of such ulcers under the foot is through the use of Diabetic shoes (also known as therapeutic shoes).

Before you buy your first pair of diabetic shoes

Before buying any diabetes shoes, an expert (Pedorthist) usually measures the feet and recommends the most appropriate diabetic shoes for men and women. The external appearance of diabetic shoes is no different from other shoes. In fact, men and women may select diabetic shoes for different occasions. The difference is on the inside.

Diabetic shoes for men and women are carefully designed so as to prevent undue dampness, strain, calluses and ulcers. Additionally, they also come equipped with a set of replaceable foot inserts such as arch supports, lifts, wedges and heels. These replaceable foot inserts (called foot orthotics) ensure proper grip, comfort and a firm balance. They are a vital component in ensuring that diabetics do not suffer from foot injuries especially skin abrasions due to friction between the foot and the inside of the shoe caused by gaps within the shoe.

Furthermore, the inside of the diabetics shoes are made from special material that helps keep moisture out and the foot dry. The material is ultra-soft (almost like a nappy) and ensures maximum comfort.

Diabetes is not to be taken lightly

A person with diabetes could be suffering from extensive damage to the nervous system and therefore, he or she may not be able to feel his or her feet properly and suffering from diabetes foot problems. Even when friction occurs, they may not be able to sense it. Further complicating the condition is the fact that sweat and oil secretion vital in lubricating the skin of the foot could be highly impaired so that even a little friction can cause skin breaks, ulcers and difficult-to-cure foot sores.

A diabetic could suffer from damage to blood vessels and also an impairment of the immune system. This is a deadly combination that makes it difficult to heal foot related wounds. In fact, in developing countries, diabetes is the number one cause of gangrene in the foot and the only way to prevent its spread is amputation.

Prevention is the only cure

We in the developed countries are fortunate enough to have access to custom made diabetic shoes for women and men. Remember that in a diabetic, damaged blood vessels mean that antibiotics cannot reach the infected area. The best way to avoid complications is to prevent it from happening in the first place and you can do that by wearing diabetic shoes.

Check out also for : Blood Glucose Test Strips