Tag Archives: Diabetes

What Makes A Good Pair Of Diabetic Socks?

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One thing that may not be clear to many people with diabetes in the early stages are what are diabetics socks, what makes them so, and why are diabetic socks necessary. The simple fact of the matter is that socks designed specifically for diabetics are really no more than socks which are designed for people with sensitive feet. For the most part both socks are designed to accomplish the same goals of minimizing irritation and maximizing the foot’s ability to stay healthy.

A good diabetic sock is slightly more expensive than a standard socks for a couple reasons. First they are almost always seamless which is different than cheaper mass produced socks with sometimes bulk seams near the toes and heels. Seamless socks are a little more challenging to make but the extra effort is worth it because there are no pressure points created by the sock at the seams for diabetics to have to manage or live with.

Additionally these socks are also made of the highest quality fibers which are designed to lift moisture from and away from the feet. For most people a little foot sweat is no big deal but if you have sensitive feet and are prone to developing sores on your feet pulling the moisture away from them is very important.

Basically these are issues for diabetics for a couple different reasons. A newly diagnosed diabetic may not relate to these reasons because the disease has not yet reached advanced stages but staying on top of it and managing these concerns before they are a problem is a much better approach to long term care.

First of all type-2 diabetics are characterized by their bodies inability to effectively manage glucose levels in the blood stream. Insulin is secreted to help metabolize glucose but it progressively takes more insulin to get the job done as your condition worsens. Over time, many years for some people, the damage that high levels of circulating glucose and insulin in the blood takes on your body results in a couple of conditions which added together are greater than the two conditions separately.

One, the extremities begin receiving reduced blood flow which can make healing difficult. And two, the nerves in the outer extremities such as the feet slowly lose sensation making it easier to hurt you feet without realizing it.

A good pair of diabetic socks addresses both issues in that it makes it difficult for your feet to develop foot ulcers, sores, or cuts by limiting the irritation and pressure points socks can sometimes put on the foot. They will be sized appropriately and will be unlikely to bunch up in the shoe. These socks will keep moisture from staying near your foot which also helps to minimize irritation and helps keep sores or cuts that may exist already less prone to infection.

The cost on getting socks specifically designed for people with diabetes is an integral part of any diabetic management program. Obviously you need the right shoes, you need to watch what you eat, and get plenty of exercise but taking this extra step to ensure the health of your feet by wearing diabetic socks is worth the price.

What Is Diabetes and Its Complications?

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Eleven years ago, the number of Diabetes patients reached a staggering 171 million. People from all parts of the globe are suffering from Diabetes and more people are suffering. The question in everyone’s minds is what is diabetes and how can it be prevented? Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease caused by a very high percentage of sugar inside the body. Due to the inability of the body to create insulin, a lot of people are suffering from this disease. Most of the patients affected by this disease would show cases of Polyuria or frequent urination as well as an increase in hunger and in thirst. Patients who would suffer from the disease would need to control their sugar or else they would definitely suffer. There are actually two types of diabetes. The first one is the insulin dependent type and the second is none insulin dependent type.

So what is diabetes and what are the differences of the two types? The first type is the type 1 or the insulin dependent type. Patients who would suffer from type 1 would usually need an insulin injection and if they would not have their medications, they would surely suffer. The other type is the type 2 version wherein the patient would not need an insulin shot. In type 2, the body is an inability to create insulin due to problems in the cells. Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as the adult onset diabetes. There is actually a third type of diabetes however it only affects pregnant women. Gestational diabetes is a condition wherein women who were once diagnosed with diabetes would have a high glucose level because of their pregnancy. This type of diabetes would then subside after as couple of days after the operation.

Patients who are suffering from the disease would not need to worry since the disease is treatable. Through some maintenance medications coupled with insulin shots, patients would be able to go home after a couple of hours in the hospital. Yet, patients that have a high level of diabetes mellitus would need to have their constant checkup since they may be suffering from problems with their organs. Diabetes can cause retinal damage, chronic renal failure and even cardiovascular diseases. Mild or acute complications include hypoglycemia so the patient would feel very weak and sleepy. Constant visit to the hospital or to a clinical physician is a must.