More than 60% of diabetics are walking around in shoes that are too small for them. Because diabetes itself interferes with circulation, wearing the wrong sized shoes increased the damage of ulcers and other foot problems. In fact, almost 80% of diabetes-related amputations could be prevented with proper foot care.
One hundred diabetics in Scotland volunteered to be in a study that examined their shoe fit. Each person had their feet formally measured and sized (both sitting and standing) and then their shoes were examined. More than 60% of the participants were wearing the wrong sized shoes.
Forty-five percent of the participants reported having had ulcers, bunions and other problems with their feet. In diabetics, these types of problems can be very slow to heal and may lead to serious complications.
What Should Diabetics Do?
First, make sure your shoes fit. Go to a podiatrist and have your feet measured. Make sure that all your shoes are the correct width and length.
Next, make sure that you examine your feet every day. You want to catch any problems early and treat them aggressively.
Finally, manage your diabetes well and follow the instructions of your doctor.
Source(s): Harrison SJ, Cochrane L, Abboud RJ and Leese GP. Do patients with diabetes wear shoes of the correct size. IJCP, the International Journal of Clinical Practice. 61.11, pp 1900-1904 (November 2007).
