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World Diabetes Day
Back to Cosyfeet Blog
9 November 2023

World Diabetes Day

It’s World Diabetes Day on Tuesday 14th November 2023. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of the condition that affects millions of people all around the world.

World Diabetes Day takes place on Tuesday 14th November 2023. This annual initiative is devoted to raising awareness of diabetes and to help fund research into the condition. Our latest blog discusses the condition, how it can affect your feet, and our most popular diabetic-friendly products, read on to discover today.

 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the amount of glucose in your blood is too high, which means the body cannot use it properly. This is because your pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough insulin, to help glucose enter your body’s cells – or the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).

There are 2 main types of diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2:

Type 1 diabetes is where the body fails to produce insulin. The hormones help glucose to enter cells where it provides the body with energy. Without insulin, the sugar level in the blood rises to much higher levels. This type usually affects younger people, appearing before the age of 40, and is treated by insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes is where the body continues to produce insulin. However, either not enough is made or the insulin produced is not recognised by the body and so cannot produce its effect. The biggest cause of this ‘insulin resistance’ is obesity, therefore overweight people are more at risk of developing type 2. This type usually affects older people, appearing after the age of 40.

 

How does diabetes affect the feet?

Circulation can be affected by diabetes and can lead to reduced arterial supply to the foot. This can cause intermittent claudication (a cramping feeling in the leg when walking), poor healing of wounds or lesions of the foot which can increase the risk of infection. Feeling or sensation can be adversely affected by diabetes, the unstable blood sugar levels over time can lead to damage of the peripheral nerves of the feet. This leads to the experience of numbness and loss of feeling. This puts the feet more at risk of injury as the person can’t feel their feet as well. In more serious cases the foot can lose all sensation and then would require to be checked visually as the feeling sensation is absent.

Wound healing can also be affected by diabetes. The unstable blood sugar levels coupled with the two factors outlined as above make wound healing slower and more at risk of complications such as infection.

 

World Diabetes DayWorld Diabetes Day

 

The importance of healthy fitting footwear

Ill-fitting shoes can cause damage to the feet of people who have diabetes due to neuropathy. Neuropathy can cause loss of sensation in the feet which means the damage can go unnoticed.

If shoes are too narrow, tight or loose, they can cause blisters or ulcers which can be slow to heal and lead to infections. If you have swollen feet in addition to diabetes, it is important to have comfortable, correctly fitting extra wide fit shoes. A podiatrist can advise on choosing appropriate footwear but here are some tips:

  • Beware of choosing shoes that are too tight. Feet get larger and broader in older people, but many people often continue to buy the same size. 
  • Before buying footwear, run your fingers inside to check for anything that may harm. Look for styles that have minimal seaming to help prevent rubbing which could lead to foot sores.
  • After buying a new pair of shoes, wear them for 30 minutes to 1 hour at first, then inspect your feet for pressure marks or irritations. A hand mirror is useful to ensure that all parts of the feet can be examined. Gradually build up the wearing time.

Diabetic-friendly products

Our diabetic-friendly products are designed for sensitive and vulnerable feet, just look out for our diabetic-friendly logo alongside our products online and in our catalogue.

 

Holly

One of our bestselling slippers, Holly has a broad toe shape and is seam-free, making it ideal for vulnerable feet. The touch-fastening strap adjusts easily for feet that swell throughout the day. 

Extra wide fitting slippers - Holly Extra wide fitting slippers - Holly

 

Karena

This is a wonderful style if your feet are swollen, misshapen or sensitive. The deep and roomy toe area with added elastane stretch, ensures Karena both supports and accommodates, offering an ultra-comfortable fit.

Extra wide fitting shoes - Karena Extra wide fitting shoes - Karena

 

Richie

Soft yet supportive, Richie has a cushioned insole so it's very comfortable underfoot. With the broad toe shape and seam-free element at the front, it’s a perfect choice for problem and sensitive toes. Also, it’s accommodating for swelling with a strap that adjusts to the fit.

Extra wide fitting slipper - RichieExtra wide fitting slipper - Richie

 

Cotton‑rich Softhold® Seam‑free Socks

Super-soft and lightweight, these socks are cleverly designed with a smooth join at the toe, adding that extra detail for added comfort.

Cotton‑rich Softhold® Seam‑free SocksCotton‑rich Softhold® Seam‑free Socks

 

Not all of our products may be suitable for your needs so please make your own judgement or check with a medical advisor if you are unsure. Before wearing any item, we recommend that you run your fingers inside to check for anything that may harm. Shop our full range of diabetic-friendly products, here.

 

To discover more about diabetes and World Diabetes Day, go to www.diabetes.org.uk.