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It is estimated more than 20 million Americans have diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of these people are unaware that they are living with this disease, making it a "silent killer." In 2005, over 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed. Diabetes can lead to a series of health complications; including premature death and it seriously affects the eyes, kidneys, legs, and other extremities, such as the feet.
Proper foot care is an important part of diabetes. In fact, diabetics are at an extremely increased risk of serious foot disorders. For people with diabetes, regular foot care is essential for overall health. Diabetes often leads to neuropathy, poor circulation, foot ulcers, calluses, or possibly amputations.
Shoes for diabetic patients are made of special protective inserts and soft shoe materials to accommodate for the shoes decrease the chance of foot sores (ulcers) which can be caused by friction and pressure. This may lead to infection, gangrene, or even amputation.
People with decreased feeling in their feet may have a false sense of security as to how much at risk their feet actually are. An ulcer under the foot can develop in a couple of hours. The primary goal of therapeutic footwear is to prevent complications, such as: strain, ulcers, calluses, or even amputations for patients with diabetes and poor circulation. In addition to meeting strict guidelines, diabetic shoes must be prescribed by a physician and fit by a qualified individual, such as a certified pediorthist. The shoes must also be equipped with a removable orthotic. Foot orthotics are devices such as shoe inserts, arch supports, or shoe fillers such as lifts, wedges and heels. The diabetic shoes and customized insoles work together as a preventative system to help diabetics avoid foot injuries and improve mobility.[1]
You may be eligible for diabetic footwear at little or no cost to you if you qualify
