9 Benefits of Diabetic Socks
If you’re one of the millions of people with diabetes, you may struggle to find appropriate footwear—and socks!
Unfortunately, since diabetes causes high blood sugar, it can result in damage to the circulatory and nervous systems. This means that many people with diabetes have reduced sensation in their feet, leading to injury and amputation. However, diabetic socks help to reduce injury, increase circulation, and keep your feet dry. So, what should you know about diabetic socks? What are all of the benefits exactly? Let’s take a look!
What Does a Diabetic Sock Do?
Diabetic socks are all-day socks that protect your feet as a person with diabetes. You can find diabetic socks available at various retail stores, pharmacies, and online. They also come in varying lengths, with some going all the way up to the knee ,which is particularly beneficial for those with severe circulatory issues.
All in all, diabetic socks are made from moisture-wicking material to keep your feet dry all day long. Many of them are made from acrylic or a bamboo blend. Bamboo and cotton blended socks allow for breathability, comfort, and durability. They further have higher UV protection than just bamboo alone. These types of socks are typically antifungal and antibacterial, helping to further prevent infection and odours.
The seamless design of diabetic socks further helps to reduce rubbing, which leads to blisters and ulcers. There’s also no top elastic on diabetic socks to help circulation and blood flow.
These socks are designed for the ultimate comfort of those who have diabetes and often include padded soles. These soles are great for additional comfort, support, and cushioning. Inevitably, there’s a lot that goes into making a diabetic sock! So, let’s explore the benefits below.
9 Benefits of Diabetic Socks
Diabetic socks aren’t necessary for every person with diabetes. Yet, they can benefit those who need them. With that in mind, here are the 9 benefits of wearing diabetic socks:
1. Breathable Fabric
The fabrics used to construct diabetic socks are durable, breathable, and soft. The breathable fabric helps to keep your feet dry all day long while reducing the risk of fungal infections. If your feet are dry, you’re less likely to develop blisters, ulcers, and other foot injuries. Certain fabrics, such as a bamboo cotton mix, further have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, helping keep bacteria out of your socks!
2. Odour Reducing
The breathable fabric used for diabetic socks also helps to reduce unpleasant foot odour, such as that caused by foot or nail fungus. This is due to the breathability of the fabrics used, as well as a lack of elastic at the top of the sock.
3. Protects Your Feet
Along with providing protection against bacterial and fungal infections with proper fabrics, diabetic socks can help prevent injury. With extra padding, cushion, and support, you can rest assured that your feet are protected in the best way possible.
4. Provides Extra Cushion
The seamless design of diabetic socks helps to reduce rubbing and blisters from forming. This extra cushion is ideal for those who have neuropathy or hyperglycemia. However, it can also add an extra layer of protection for those with bunions or other irritating foot abnormalities.
5. Helps Improve Circulation
People with diabetes often struggle with poor circulation to their feet. This is because diabetes may cause blood vessels to restrict, reducing blood flow to the feet. Keeping your feet warm and dry with diabetic socks can help improve circulation. In turn, this can keep your lower limbs healthy and prevent any need for amputation down the road.
6. Provides Comfort
Not only are diabetic socks built for protection, but they’re also built for comfort. With soft fabric options, no seams, no elastic top, and no excess fabric, these socks are designed to be the most comfortable socks for people with diabetes. Abrasive fabrics could lead to injury for diabetics, yet the soft fabrics provide the utmost comfort—giving you one less thing to worry about.
7. Non-Constricting
Diabetic socks are meant to fit comfortably without extra fabric but not be too tight. Most socks are designed to conform to the feet, ankles, and legs. Socks that are compression in nature or have too narrow of a build can cause excess moisture to build up and squeeze the toes. In contrast, diabetic socks work to do the opposite.
8. Minimize Future Risks
People with diabetes know that injury to their feet has the very real possibility of leading to amputation. Wearing diabetic socks may help minimize the risks involved and reduce the chance of amputation by protecting the feet.
9. Protects Sensitive Parts of Feet
Part of having diabetes means dealing with reduced sensation, which can open your feet up for injury you may not be aware of. There are several sensitive pressure points in the feet that you may overlook while doing everyday things or engaging in exercise. Yet, diabetic socks can help prevent injury to the sensitive parts of your feet!
Are Diabetic Socks the Same as Compression Socks?
Diabetic socks and compression socks sound similar, but they have some very significant differences. Diabetic socks are designed to protect your feet and improve circulation. They should fit great without extra fabric but not too tight.
Compression socks, on the other hand, are designed to reduce built-up fluid in the feet and ankles. They are snug to help prevent pooling blood for those with circulation issues. If you’re a diabetic, you want to be very careful about purchasing diabetic socks over compression socks. These are two different types of socks with two very different outcomes and benefits.
The Right Diabetic Socks For You
As a person with diabetes, you should be able to live your life comfortably without the added stress of injured feet. PodiMe’s Soles Diabetic Sock are expertly-designed to provide all the benefits that diabetic socks have to offer. Keep your feet dry, protected, and odor-free! Shop now.