
Compression Socks for Diabetes: A Guide to Help You Pick the Best Pair
Living well with type 2 diabetes means taking care of your legs and feet, and a good pair of socks, particularly those with compression as a feature, are a key accessory to have in your management toolkit. But not all compression socks are created equal. It’s important to know what specific characteristics to look out for if you’re in the market for compression socks so you can live happier and healthier with type 2 diabetes.
Why It’s Important to Protect Your Feet If You Have Diabetes
Foot problems are more common in people with diabetes than in those without the disease. That’s because you can have damage to blood vessels in your legs and feet, which can affect circulation, promote swelling, and increase your risk for infection, among causing other diabetes complications.
Each year, you should aim to have your feet examined by your diabetes care provider and, if you are aware that you have foot problems, by a diabetes specialist, such as a podiatrist. A foot exam typically includes a visual check of your feet for swelling or signs of infection, as well as tests that measure your level of sensation.
The Benefits of Compression Socks for People With Diabetes
Your diabetes care provider may prescribe compression socks to help prevent swelling, which, if left untreated, could increase your risk for foot infections. “Compression socks are hosiery that provides compression on the lower extremities — your feet, ankles, and legs — in order to control swelling and other issues,” says Jane Andersen, a doctor of podiatric medicine and a board-certified surgical podia
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