Socks for people with diabetes – what really matters

Older woman sitting on the edge of a bed pulling on a light grey sock
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If you have diabetes, your feet deserve special attention. Over the years, high blood sugar levels can affect the nerves and blood vessels in the legs. As a result, pressure points, blisters or small injuries are noticed later or not at all, and they heal more slowly. Much of the prevention therefore happens in everyday life – and that includes choosing the right socks.

Why feet are more sensitive with diabetes

Two changes play a role that become more common with long-standing diabetes:

  • Nerves (diabetic neuropathy): The sense of pressure, pain, heat and cold can decrease. A small stone in your shoe or a rubbing seam then goes unnoticed.
  • Circulation: If the blood vessels have changed, the tissue is supplied less well. Small wounds take longer to heal.

Doctors speak of diabetic foot syndrome when wounds or inflammation develop as a result. Good foot care, well-fitting shoes and regular check-ups are the most important building blocks to keep it from getting that far.

What to look for in socks

A sock cannot treat a disease. But it can avoid putting unnecessary pressure or friction on the foot or keeping it damp. These points will help you choose:

  1. A cuff that does not constrict. A tight elastic leaves marks on the leg. Wide, soft cuffs that stay up without pressing are better.
  2. No thick seam over the toes. A flat or seamless toe area reduces the risk of chafing.
  3. Material that wicks away moisture. Cotton, bamboo viscose or merino wool let the skin breathe. Dry feet are less prone to softened skin and fungal infections.
  4. The right size. Socks that are too small press, socks that are too big form creases in the shoe. If in doubt, measure again – feet can change over the years.
  5. Light colours if you have little feeling in your feet. Blood or wound fluid is immediately visible on light socks.
  6. Fresh socks every day. Wash them as hot as the care label allows.

The daily foot check in five minutes

Socks are only one part of prevention. Taking a daily look at your feet is at least as important:

  • Look: Every evening, check the soles, heels and the spaces between your toes. A hand mirror helps if bending down is difficult.
  • Wash: lukewarm rather than hot. Check the water temperature with your elbow or a thermometer, not with your foot.
  • Dry: thoroughly, especially between the toes.
  • Moisturise: care for dry skin with a moisturising foot cream, but not between the toes.
  • Check your shoes: Before putting them on, feel inside with your hand for small stones or seams that press. Avoid walking barefoot where possible.

When to seek medical advice: if you notice redness, swelling, blisters, open areas, discolouration or if one foot feels noticeably warmer than the other. Better once too early than too late. For calluses and nails, a podiatry practice is the right place to go.

How DEOMED® puts these points into practice

DEOMED® medical socks are designed for exactly these requirements and are registered as medical devices:

  • without compression – the cuff stays up without constricting
  • seamless linking above the toes
  • breathable yarns made of cotton, bamboo viscose or merino wool
  • in most models, silver ions in the yarn and a Sanitized® finish, which according to the manufacturer have an antibacterial and antifungal effect and help prevent odour

Which sock suits you depends on your everyday life: fine socks for every day, terry for sensitive feet, merino wool for cold days or knee-high socks. View all DEOMED® products →

This guide does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your feet, please contact your doctor or a podiatry practice.