Traveling to an exotic destination is always exciting. However, are you prepared to do a lot of walking? For diabetics, this can be a difficult question to answer. People who have dealt with diabetes for a number of years may have foot complications. Even if it is not major such as mild nerve damage or extra calluses, the problems can make walking more painful than it has to be.
People suffering from diabetes usually have a number of problems. However, they tend to experience two main problems with their feet. This requires that they pay close attention to care for diabetic feet and also select the proper footwear.
Anyone who is a diabetic is at risk of suffering from nerve damage in the feet area. This is especially common in those who have had the disease for a long time, and it is attributed to their high blood sugar levels. Although this loss of sensation may affect another body parts, it is more prominent in the feet. As a result, there are cases where these individuals have had cuts or injuries in their feet for days before they even realize that it is there.
Another common problem that diabetics experience is impaired blood circulation. Again, the effects of this problem are profound within the feet area, although it can also be felt in extremities such as hands. This condition is normally attributed to constricted blood vessels that make it almost impossible to supply blood to areas far away from the heart. The effects of this are usually seen in the time it normally takes for a wound in the body’s extremities to heal, no matter how small it may be.
When these two conditions strike, the results can be fatal. This requires that prompt medical attention is availed to avoid further trouble. Although these problems may be inevitable, they can be managed more effectively. Closely monitoring your blood sugar level is one way of managing impaired nerves and even foot injuries. A number of doctors have been able to postpone early nerve damage in their diabetic patients by keeping the blood sugar level under constant monitoring.
Since a lot of people with diabetes are moving towards gaining control of their blood sugar by eating good diabetic foods, cases of foot related complications are steadily decreasing. However, this does not mean that these problems are gone for good. Aching feet eventually catches up with them as they grow old.
Although blood sugar control is effective, it is not the only option available to such individuals. As serious of a problem as it may be, there needs to be multiple approaches used to combat them effectively. Investing in proper diabetic shoes is also one way of combating some of these problems. Shoes that fit properly while providing enough space for feet are very useful in handling some of these challenges. They also help to protect the feet against abrasions. Although such shoes may not be fashionable, they are a true necessity for those with foot complications. They will not only help in fighting calluses but offer extra space in cases of foot deformities. Diabetic shoes often require fittings to ensure that the fit is comfortable and correct. You could also use custom shoe inserts to make them comfortable and safe. Involving your podiatrist is essential in getting shoes that will not aggravate the condition.
Other than shoes, socks can also play a vital role in guaranteeing safety and comfort. The ideal white diabetic socks should be able to absorb excess moisture to keep feet dry. Otherwise, it can be easy to get foot infections. These features coupled with seamless toes and loose tops can go a long way in improving blood circulation in feet. A wide fitting pair of socks helps to reduce pressure on the legs, which promotes better blood flow there. Besides the extra comfort, some people like wearing black diabetic socks as dress socks. That is how versatile these hosiery can be. It really does not matter which color one picks just as long as your feet are comfortable and well protected. Having a proper diet and by using special foot care products, there’s no reason why travelers who have diabetes cannot enjoy themselves.
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Flying really kills my feet. The pressure from the hig elevation just wreaks havoc on my legs. So what is the difference between compression socks and diabetic socks? Which one should I wear next time I fly?