黑料网

鈥淚 don鈥檛 have a photograph, but you can have my footprints. They鈥檙e upstairs in my socks.鈥� 
鈥撯�疓roucho Marx 

If you live with diabetes it is recommended that you take extra care of your feet and lower limbs because you are at higher risk of , infections and slower healing due to potentially reduced nerve, cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel), integumentary (, nails, hair and the glands on your skin) and immune system functioning. You can learn how to do this by attending an NDSS program, by asking your , and by considering what socks you wear.

You can buy basic socks from your local department store. Ideally, choose natural fibres such as cotton, wool, or bamboo. These inexpensive options may be breathable and comfortable and suit your needs. However, the sock market has expanded massively in recent years and there is now a much wider choice of socks available that may even help with certain health issues. Ongoing research has uncovered an extensive range of properties that can prevent or treat some conditions. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on the market.

Not your average sock 

The following features may be worth contemplating when making your choice:

• 鈥� whether for the relief of the wearer or those in close proximity. Some are deodorising, while others are odour resistant.
• Antifungal / Antibacterial / properties to address the increased risk for people living with diabetes, not only for their feet and lower limbs but also transferred in the laundry to other material items in the family home.
  • 鈥� impregnation of fibres with silver to reduce the growth and spread of microbes.
  • have shown to have strong antimicrobial properties, with the ability to kill various bacteria including MRSA and .
• Hypoallergenic socks avoid irritation caused by the presence of leather, rubber/spandex/latex, plastics, fabrics, dyes, metals, and glues in some shoes and socks.
• Addressing secondary to diabetes may assist with issues such as nerve function, and symptoms including foot pain, numbness, tickling, burning, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and touch sensitivity:  
  • Non-tight stay ups 
  • Non-elastic tops 
  • Loose ribbing 
• Extra heel and toe padding reduce pressure points and friction-related blisters.  
  • Cushioned soles 
  • Hand-linked/comfort seams 
  • Seamless toe construction 
• – reduces sweaty feet, especially between the toes which can affect the ability of fungal infections to grow. 
  • Wicking technology 鈥� absorbs / draws moisture away from the foot 
• Breathable, comfortable, environmentally friendly, compared to man-made, synthetic materials 
  • Cotton, wool, bamboo, modal, soybean cotton  
• and longevity 鈥� pilling and abrasion resistance as well as maintaining form and function 
  • Reinforcement of dedicated impact zones  
  • Spin design 
  • Comparison between yarns
• Falls risk reduction 鈥� increasingly importance with advancing age and/or compromised balance, function, muscle strength, range of movement and cognition: 
  • Combination of in socks with a wireless platform 
• and regulating properties
  • Wool 鈥� breathable, warm in winter and cooling in summer. 

Get your socks on! 

The bottom line is, to wear socks. While there is no 鈥榦ne sock fits all鈥� answer, choose the socks that work best for you. 

Help when choosing socks 

Take a look at some of the socks on sale at .

Talk to others in 黑料网’s . All sorts of topics about diabetes management are discussed in the online forum.聽

Join the program and access its online community and chat forums.

Benefits 

What is clear are the benefits of wearing socks as a person living with diabetes, not only for comfort but also for protection. Your feet are made for walking 鈥� let鈥檚 keep it that way!

By Constance Russell 鈥� Registered Nurse, Credentialled Diabetes Educator