Last week there was a discussion about feet and eyes on Diabetes Social Media Advocacy. One particular question came up that I think is an important one: Why do I have to wear closed shoes all the time?
First of all, you don’t have to – that would be your choice. But the reason people with diabetes are encouraged to wear closed shoes (along with checking feet regularly) is to protect their feet. Closed shoes typically provide more support than open shoes (but not always!), so they support the structure of the foot. Also, closed shoes protect the feet from cuts – but only if we make sure there are no foreign objects in the shoes.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of foot problems: high blood glucose can lead to decreased circulation, which means the blood doesn’t get down to the feet as fast, so a cut or injury doesn’t heal as fast or as well. Managing blood glucose is the most important step in protecting our feet, and then protecting our feet from injury in the first place.
Going barefoot increases the risk of cuts/injuries as does wearing open shoes. In reality, however, we all go barefoot at times, and most of us wear flip flops and the like. I personally wear closed shoes to work, work out, and whenever I lift something heavy. That last one was basically ingrained in my head as a kid, though it cracks me up because I realize that the shoes are not going to prevent injury if that heavy item lands on my foot.
I think the most important thing is to be aware of our feet: take care of your feet so they can carry you around for a long, long time.