Diabetic Socks for Men - Helping Prevent Amputations for Diabetics

How can diabetic socks for men help prevent something as serious as diabetic amputations? Lets look at the disease first. Diabetes is an insidious disease that has become endemic to our time. The hardest hit are often men due to the fact that they are more prone to having circulatory problems in their extremities.

The feet in particular are often the source of serious problems often resulting in amputation. More than 82,000 amputations are reported among diabetics. These problems often begin with simple blisters that turn into more serious deep wounds. It is here that diabetic socks for men can help.

Diabetes is a condition where abnormally high blood sugar levels result from a lack of insulin production in the case of type 1 diabetes. Insulin resistant or type 2 diabetes is caused by the body's inability to respond to insulin triggers, a condition commonly known as Syndrome X. These conditions are either genetic or acquired.

Common complications of diabetes are kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and even blindness. Persons suffering from diabetes also suffer from immune system suppression, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and blood pressure. However, amputations are the most dreaded consequence and for this reason diabetics should pay particular attention to their feet and use diabetic socks for men.

Can diabetic socks for men really make a difference?

Because of the lack of feeling that normally accompanies diminished blood flow to the feet, the diabetic can often not feel the formation of blisters that lead to the deep, festering wounds that often lead to extensive tissue damage and general degradation of the limb resulting in eventual amputation. Diabetic socks for men are specially designed to prevent these blisters from forming in the first place.

Diabetics, men in particular, should pay particular attention to the care of their feet. One of the best ways to do this is to always wear properly fitting shoes and using diabetic socks for men. These are specially designed to be less abrasive than regular socks by eliminating seams and using elasticized wool or cotton.

Diabetic socks for men are gentle on the skin, allow the foot to breathe and wick moisture away from the foot. This is of particular importance as moisture, in combination with friction, is the major component in the formation of dangerous blisters.

Diabetic socks for men are also more generally healthy as they prevent bacteria formation and are loose topped to promote better circulation in the foot. Some top end diabetic socks for men are constructed of fabrics with added silver colloidal particles to further draw moisture away from the skin surface.

Types of Diabetic Socks

The choice of diabetic socks should be based on a doctors recommendation and fit should always be a major consideration. There are many different styles of diabetic men's socks available that allow for comfort and safety in general wear and for sports or other specific activities.

Length choices include over and under calf length, crew and quarter socks. There are also gel padded varieties that offer added shock absorption. When buying diabetic socks for men pay attention to finding socks that do not abrade or pinch at the cuff. This prevents further circulatory obstruction or damage.

With the protection offered by diabetic socks for men, sufferers can go about their daily lives without undue worries regarding the effects of diabetes on their feet.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic, Amputation and diabetes: How to protect your feet