As of 2020, more than 34 million Americans, roughly 10.5 percent of the population, live with diabetes. If not well-controlled, diabetes can lead to a number of different health complications. Many of these complications may be disabling or even life-threatening over time.
People with diabetes know the effects lax blood sugar control can have on your overall health. The complications that stem from this disease might affect several different areas, from the eyes all the way down to the feet. And one of the best methods of good glucose control is exercise.
You may be asking yourself, should I wear diabetic insoles when I exercise? Diabetes can take its toll on your feet, making certain activities, like walking or running long distances, uncomfortable. Here are three benefits to using diabetic insoles.
1. Comfort
Diabetic insoles provide wearers with the necessary comfort and support they need. These insoles are made of durable materials designed for cushioning, shock absorption, and support. Their moldable nature quickly conforms to your foot and keeps that shape inside the shoe.
2. Helps Prevent Problems
Buying diabetic insoles will help you avoid some of the foot problems people with diabetes are prone to. Insoles aim to absorb pressure, be it from running, standing, or walking. They’re designed to restore natural foot functions and lessen stress such as the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back, which are susceptible to pain.
3. Reduces Risk of Infection and Circulation Concerns
Perhaps the biggest reason someone should wear diabetic insoles is to avoid circulation concerns with your feet. Poor blood sugar management might lead to issues with blood flow to the feet and possibly infection. Using diabetic insoles helps reduce the risk of those common ailments by reducing stress in the foot and keeping the pressure in the right places.
Diabetes Insoles and the Feet
60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes end up dealing with diabetic neuropathy, which could lead to a loss of feeling in affected limbs, like the feet. This complication damages the nerve endings in your feet and legs, causing them to lose feeling.
This nerve damage in the feet, or poor blood flow, could lead to further complications. The CDC recommends diabetics check their feet daily, especially since about half of the people with diabetes have some kind of nerve damage.
Diabetic insoles provide you with the comfort and support you need for any lifestyle. There are plenty of places to shop for diabetic insoles today.
Tips for Diabetics and More
Unfortunately, foot pain stands out as one of the most prevalent problems for people with diabetes. It may be nerve problems, infection, or a number of other reasons, but diabetics remain prone to chronic foot pain. That’s where diabetic insoles can help.
Check out some of the other diabetes-related content on our site. Make sure to explore the wellness and fitness sections for more helpful hints and tips.
