Diabetes rates continue to climb in Canada
There are more than 5.7 million Canadians living with diabetes (type 1 & type 2 diagnosed + type 2 undiagnosed), however, there are 11.7 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes—a condition that, if left unmanaged, can develop into type 2 diabetes. It is also costing the healthcare system $30 billion per year to treat people with diabetes.
Diabetes is known to reduce lifespan and people with the disease are more likely to experience sight loss. They are also more likely to be hospitalized for amputations, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
Patients with Diabetes need to wear the RIGHT footwear, INDOORS and OUTDOORS, to protect their feet.
Why do diabetics need specialty shoes?
It’s not a connection that people typically make with diabetes, but foot disease is the most common complication of diabetes that leads to hospitalization, it accounts for up to 20 % of admissions.
Fifteen percent of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime and one in five of those ulcerations will lead to an amputation.
When people get moving, their body is better able to use insulin. Getting outside with a fun, flexible workout such as walking, swimming or biking is very beneficial for people with diabetes. But they must wear the PROPER SHOES!
FOOT HEALTH AND DIABETES
Approximately 60-70% of diabetics are affected by a condition called Diabetic neuropathy.
Loss of sensation can occur in the nerves of the legs and feet which can lead to cuts and sores that a diabetic patient cannot feel. These can lead to serious infections and other foot health issues.
Approximately 1 in 3 people with diabetes over the age of 50 have a condition known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD). This causes decreased blood flow, which means it can significantly slow healing time. Therefore patients with PAD and diabetes have a higher risk of developing ulcers and possibly gangrene, which can lead to amputation.
Diabetic feet are extremely sensitive and require special care.
IMPORTANT: It is ADVISED that diabetic patients wear shoes INDOORS as well as outdoors to fully protect their feet.
WHICH FEATURES SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN SHOES FOR DIABETICS?
Seamless Interior: look for shoes that are made with soft, protective linings without seams or protrusions, as these can cause irritation and lead to foot health issues such as ulcers or sores.
Padded Interior: soft foam padding inside the shoes will act as a buffer between the foot and the harmful environment. The foot is protected from being struck and the interior will fit comfortably without causing undue pressure.
Non-Binding, Stretchable Uppers: uppers constructed from soft, stretchable material are best to prevent diabetic foot issues; the material will move with the foot. As feet swell throughout the day, the stretch uppers will accommodate the extra volume and help to eliminate any pressure points or friction.
Extra-Depth: for proper movement of the foot during walking, shoes for diabetics should have added depth inside the shoe for a pressure-free environment. Diabetic footwear with extra depth also allows the wear of diabetic insoles or custom orthotics comfortably.
High, Wide Toe Box: toe boxes should be deep, offering more room inside the shoe and alleviating pressure or friction in the toe area.
Multiple Widths: especially important, diabetics often need to wear wider shoes in order to provide a non-constrictive environment. Shoes offering multiple widths allow for customized fit and protection.
Ergonomic Soles: diabetic walking shoes should feature a lightweight sole that improves mobility and function. Insoles that are heat-moldable can be molded specifically to the patient's anatomy for an ideal fit.
Adjustability Features: look for shoes with multiple adjustabilities. This would include straps in several places or laces that will allow you to customize the fit to your patients' particular needs.
Paradigm Medical offers a wide variety of orthopedic footwear designed for people with diabetes.
View our featured OUTDOOR Diabetic Footwear below:
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW for Diabetic Footwear, Diabetic Insoles and Diabetic Socks.
Pair these shoes with our CLOUD HEAT MOLDABLE Diabetic Shoe Inserts.
- Soft Multi Density insoles are made on a separate mold for each shoe size, insuring precise fit at the arch and heel for a customized comfort
- The top layer is made of soft moldable foam, which shapes to the contours of the foot within a few days, offering a customized fit and alleviating pressure points
- The bottom layer, made of closed cell polyurethane foam, provides long lasting shock absorption, making every step soothing with comfort
- Deep contoured heel-seat along with thick PU cushioning foam under the heel work wonders for heel-pain, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis
- Soft Multi Density insoles are 1/4″ thick at the forefoot, and are designed for shoes with extra room and removable footbeds
Women’s sizes: 5 – 11 (full sizes only)
Let's not forget the importance of Diabetic SOCKS!
White socks are BEST as they allows for wounds (that weep or bleed) to be more easily noticeable.
- No inside seam, no irritating ridges
- Non-binding foot and calf comfort
- Constructed to provide extra cushioning as well as a smooth fit without pressure, bunching and tightness
- Soft combed cotton construction. Wicks away moisture
- Suitable for all shoe types…dress, casual, orthopaedic, sport and boots
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW for Diabetic Footwear, Diabetic Insoles and Diabetic Socks.