Diabetic Socks: An Accessory or a Necessity?

Socks are perhaps the only accessory that is most neglected in our day to day life. Most of us do not even bother to check the condition of the socks we wear to college or to work. However, certain people such as athletes and diabetic patients have to choose this accessory with extra care and caution. The choice of socks is especially important to a diabetic patient because of health complications that can be avoided through the use of diabetic socks. 

Diabetic patients suffer from high levels of blood glucose level which often results in nerve damage or poor blood circulation. This leads to lack of feeling, also known as diabetic neuropathy, in the legs and the feet. As a result, one is not able to feel any sores or wounds on the fee. This further leads to acute infection when the sores and wounds are left untreated. Since the high blood glucose level decreases the immunity of the body to fight infections; most often the leg of the patient has to amputated to prevent the spread of infection. 

Infection of the feet can be avoided through proper care & maintenance of the feet and a proper choice of diabetic shoes and diabetic socks. Diabetic Socks for patients should be chosen on the basis of the fiber composition of the socks and the construction of the socks. Doctors usually recommend well cushioned socks made out of natural fabrics such as cotton and wool. These fabrics have greater absorbency and also allow adequate circulation of air, which prevents infection from setting in. The socks should be non binding and should not cause constriction around any part of the feet or legs.

However, there is no consensus on the use of wool or cotton diabetic socks to prevent infection. Certain doctors recommend the use of synthetic blend or acrylic diabetic socks, as they feel that the acrylic fibers are more comfortable even after they retain moisture and also have a good absorbency.

To sum up, diabetic socks should be well padded, non-constricting and should be made out of a fiber that not only absorbs but retains the moisture without becoming damp itself. Other than a proper choice of socks, a diabetic patient should also choose the shoes he/she wears with extra care. The feet should always be kept clean & moisture free and should be examined by a doctor at least 4-5 times in a year.