Diabetic Foot Care & Shoes

Why Diabetics Need Specialized Foot Care

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that drastically alters how your body processes blood sugar, ultimately leading to severe complications in the lower extremities. Chronically high glucose levels damage the blood vessels that lead to your feet, causing poor circulation. Furthermore, it damages the delicate nerve endings, resulting in a condition known as peripheral neuropathy.

Because of this numbness, a diabetic patient may step on a sharp object or develop a severe blister from an ill-fitting shoe without ever feeling it. Combined with a compromised immune system and poor blood flow, a minor cut can rapidly deteriorate into a dangerous ulcer or infection. This is exactly why specialized podiatric care and the use of protective diabetic shoes are critical for anyone diagnosed with diabetes.

Risk Factors and Demographics

Certain genetic and lifestyle indicators are known to significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes and its subsequent foot complications. While weight is a primary risk factor—with more than 80 percent of diabetes sufferers classified as overweight—genetics play a massive role.

Statistically, African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes than the general population, with 25 percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 diagnosed with the disease. Similarly, Native Americans and Hispanic Americans face significantly increased risks, affecting 12.2 percent and 10.6 percent of those populations, respectively. If you belong to a high-risk demographic, establishing a relationship with a podiatrist is one of the most proactive steps you can take for your health.

Comprehensive Protection: Diabetic Shoes and Exams

At our Irvine podiatry clinic, Dr. Sima Soltani focuses heavily on preventative care. We offer routine diabetic foot examinations to check for early signs of neuropathy, circulation issues, and skin changes. We also specialize in fitting patients for custom diabetic shoes. Unlike standard footwear, diabetic shoes feature a seamless interior to prevent friction, extra depth to accommodate structural changes or orthotics, and highly breathable materials. If you have already developed a non-healing sore, we offer advanced Diabetic Wound Care to ensure rapid healing and prevent amputation.

Frequently Asked Questions