Yes, plus size compression stockings are an effective aid for people with diabetes and can help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent complications.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is divided into three main types: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Each type has its unique characteristics, but they all have a profound impact on the patient's blood circulation and foot health.

Type 1 diabetes:

• It usually occurs in children and adolescents because the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin.
• Due to insufficient insulin, blood sugar levels are difficult to control, and long-term high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves.

Type 2 diabetes:

• This is the most common type of diabetes and is more common in adults.
• The patient's body cannot use insulin effectively (insulin resistance), causing blood sugar to rise.
• Type 2 diabetes is closely related to lifestyle, and obesity, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet are all risk factors.

Gestational diabetes:

• It occurs in pregnant women, similar to type 2 diabetes, and usually disappears after giving birth.
• However, it should be noted that gestational diabetes may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in the future for both mother and child.

Read more: Why Do Diabetics Have Foot Problems

Effects of Diabetes on Circulation and Foot Health

Diabetes is more than just a blood sugar problem. It can also cause damage to blood vessels and the nervous system throughout the body, especially in the lower extremities. Here are a few key points:

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): About 1/3 of people with diabetes over the age of 50 are at risk for PAD. If not controlled, PAD can lead to serious complications, such as foot ulcers and even amputation.

Damage to blood vessels from high blood sugar: Chronic high blood sugar can cause damage to the lining of blood vessels, which can narrow and become inflamed. This increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Diabetic Neuropathy: Neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation in the feet, and patients may not be able to detect small cuts or pain, increasing the risk of infection and ulcers.

Benefits of Compression Socks for Diabetes

It is important to emphasize that the foot health of people with diabetes requires extra attention. Foot problems can quickly worsen due to poor circulation and neuropathy. Compression socks can play an important role in this regard:

Promoting blood circulation: Compression socks help blood flow back from the feet to the heart through graduated pressure, reducing swelling and blood pooling.

Prevent complications: By improving blood flow, compression socks can reduce the risk of PAD and foot ulcers.

Improve comfort: Choosing the right compression socks can relieve discomfort such as numbness and tingling in the feet.

Do Compression Socks Work for Diabetic Neuropathy?

Yes, compression stockings can help with diabetic neuropathy, but they need to be used on a case-by-case basis. Diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of sensation, numbness, tingling, or even pain in the feet, and compression stockings can provide support in the following ways:

Improving blood circulation: Good blood flow can help deliver more oxygen and nutrients to damaged nerves, slowing the progression of neuropathy.

Reducing swelling: Swelling is often associated with neuropathy, and compression stockings can alleviate this problem.

Providing support: Compression stockings can provide additional support to the foot and leg, reducing fatigue and discomfort.

However, it is important to note that if neuropathy has already caused severe loss of sensation in the feet, the patient may not be able to tell if the compression stockings are too tight or uncomfortable. Therefore, before using compression stockings, it is recommended to consult a doctor or medical professional to ensure that the appropriate pressure level and size are selected and to check the skin of the feet regularly to avoid pressure sores or other problems.

How Often Should a Diabetic Wear Compression Socks?

How often a diabetic wears compression stockings depends on the individual's health and the advice of their doctor. In general, here are some common recommendations:

Daily use: If your doctor recommends compression stockings to improve blood circulation or prevent complications, they can usually be worn every day. It is recommended to wear them in the morning before getting up, because this is when the leg swelling is the least and it is easier to wear.

Standing or sitting for long periods of time: If you need to stand or sit for long periods of time (such as work or travel), wearing compression stockings can help reduce leg fatigue and swelling.

During exercise: Compression stockings with mild to moderate pressure can be worn during exercise to help promote blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue.

Nighttime use: It is generally not recommended to wear compression stockings while sleeping unless specifically recommended by your doctor. Blood circulation improves on its own when lying flat at night, and no additional pressure support is needed.

Most importantly, make sure that the compression stockings are comfortable when worn and avoid being too tight or too loose. If you feel discomfort or notice skin problems (such as redness, swelling, or pressure marks), you should stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.

Should Diabetics Wear Compression Pants?

However, there are times that a compression garment is not ideal. A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Caution is also recommended in the case of sensory impairments due to diabetes and neuropathy (nerve damage).

What Type of Socks Are Best For Diabetics?

There are three schools of thought regarding the best fabric for socks worn by people with diabetes. Some professionals recommend cotton/wool socks. Others recommend socks or stockings of acrylic or a synthetic blend.

Conclusion

The use of medical compression stockings is safe and feasible for patients with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Plusock diabetic compression stockings have the added advantage of 15-30 mmHg graduated compression, which helps reduce symptoms of leg swelling, fatigue, and pain, reduces the risk of DVT, and reduces the risk of spider veins and varicose veins during pregnancy.