Diabetes can cause nerve damage known as ‘diabetic neuropathy’, which can cause tingling, pain or loss of feeling in the feet. This can make it harder to feel injuries such as blisters, ulcers, cuts and sores, which can become infected.
Diabetes can also decrease the amount of blood flow in the feet, which can make it harder for cuts and sores to heal. In serious cases, a bad infection may never heal and lead to gangrene and even amputation of the toe, foot or leg.
With this in mind, proper foot care is very important to prevent problems for people with diabetes. Along with keeping blood sugar in check and maintaining a healthy diet, wearing diabetic socks can help reduce the risk of foot issues by promoting blood flow and keeping the feet dry and comfortable.