Diabetics Should Be Picky When Choosing Their Shoes

Scientists at the general diabetic clinic at Ninewells Hospital Medical School in Dundee, Scotland, have determined that every other diabetic wears wrong-sized shoes. This puts them at a greatly increased risk of developing serious foot problems, which ultimately could even lead to amputations, and in some cases even death.

Hundred patients in the age range of 24 to 89 years enrolled in the shoe-size study at the general diabetic clinic at Ninewells Hospital Medical School in Dundee, Scotland. Only those patients were enrolled in the study, who were not already attending specialist foot clinics, did not have trouble standing, and did not already wear specially provided footwear.

For the purpose of the study, the patients had their feet measured and thoroughly examined. This was done in the standing as well as in the sitting position. The foot becomes larger and longer, when people stand, because the arch of the foot flattens. Taking both positions into account, the scientists determined that sixty-three percent of the patients had ill-fitting shoes. Fourty-five percent of them had the wrong width, which was mostly too narrow.

A common problem among diabetics is the lack of feeling in their feet, which could explain the bad choices made in regards to the shoes. However, the researchers also determined, that even those diabetics, who have proper sense of feeling in their feet, had the same likelihood that their shoes were ill-fitting.

The scientists also pointed out that one third of the patients picked a different shoe size than the one they normally wear. Furthermore, shoe size differs among shoe models, which makes it more difficult to find the right shoes, especially, if the patient lacks feeling in the feet.

According to the study results, about forty-five percent of the patients in the study had at one time or another experienced foot problems like ulcers, calluses, bunions, corns, and swelling. All of these problems are usually the result of ill-fitting shoes. Yet, twenty-two percent of the patients don't check their own feet for problems. Only twenty-nine percent of the patients stated they checked their feet daily.

The scientist recommend that shoe manufacturers adopt standardized shoe sizes across the board. This should also include a wider range of length and width options. Furthermore, to avoid the purchase of ill-fitting shoes, more shoe stores should offer foot measuring to adults. These measures would help in the prevention of foot problems in adults, especially in those likely to develop more severe health problems from the initial foot problems.

The scientists also point out that further research should be done in the subject matter to raise awareness of the problem as it most likely not only affects patients with diabetes but also those with other illnesses like for example rheumatoid arthritis.