Diabetics develop many complications and one of the more serious one is infection of the toes and foot. The combination of decreased blood supply and neuropathy significantly increases the chance of foot infections. The failure to sense pain often leads to severe deformities and it is not uncommon for diabetics to have their toes or even feet amputated.
All diabetics should take steps to prevent complications to their feet and toes.
Besides good hygiene, excellent foot care and wearing proper shoes; there is also a need to wear proper socks.
There are many types of diabetic socks available, in various styles, designs and brand names. Some diabetic socks can be worn just above the ankle whereas others can stretch up to the knee. Some socks are stretchable with even pressure and others come with graded pressure which is highest at the toe. The graded pressure socks are designed to help blood move up the leg.
Before buying socks for your diabetes, there is one thing you must understand. Diabetics already have decreased blood supply to their feet; so it is very important that you do not buy socks which have high gradient of pressure. All this will do is further decrease the blood from getting to your feet and make the situation worse. Graduated compression socks are designed for people with venous problems like varicose veins and not for diabetics.
So select a pair of socks with a mild pressure gradient (less than 7 mmHg). Socks with high gradients should only be worn by diabetics if the feet are swollen.
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