When you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, slow but gradual nerve damage occurs due to unregulated blood glucose levels. This complication is diabetic neuropathy. One of the best insoles or shoe inserts for people with diabetes can cure or soothe the burning pains in your feet.
- What are diabetic insoles?
- Can diabetic insoles cure neuropathy?
- How to choose the best diabetic insoles?
- What Are Diabetic Inserts?
Inserts are the same as insoles. They are the footbed of any standard shoe, but an external one can improve the footbed.
From slippers to diabetic work boots with a steel toe or just regular diabetic shoes, inserts are the central part of any diabetic shoe. A good insole can make your shoe durable and comfortable.
It also ensures your feet are kept in great shape and relieved from pain.
Instead of changing shoes, you have to replace the insoles and the shoes, and your feet are ready for a long journey again.
Why Do Diabetics Need Orthotics?
We all know that diabetes is a chronic disease. Sooner or later, every person with diabetes will have to contend with potential nerve damage. It’s a common issue. The burns and pains you feel in your feet are one of its symptoms. Mostly it’s a weakness, or you can say numbness in muscles that occur mostly in feet. More commonly known as neuropathy. Diabetic orthotics can help prevent any new or further damage to the feet and nerves.
Do Insoles Help With Neuropathy?
There is not only a single and easy way to cure neuropathy. In my case, I improvised my lifestyle by using diabetic shoes and diabetic inserts. They help to relieve any tension and burning sensations when walking a lot. There are also several foot creams for diabetics that I used and reviewed earlier that can relieve you from any pains or unpleasant feelings. Diabetic foot creams help ease the pain of neuropathy, whereas insoles avoid further damage.
What Can You Put on a Diabetic Foot?
The lighter and softer your diabetic shoes are, the more chances to treat neuropathy faster. If you do not take care of it timely, the situation can be worse. So diabetic shoes are worth buying. Now a question comes to your mind, what if you don’t have a diabetic shoe? If you don’t want to wear your favourite shoe pair, then there are also diabetic shoe insoles that treat your feet.
If you still have pains, there is also the option to moisturize your feet with a diabetic foot cream.
Can Diabetic Neuropathy Be Reversed?
A straightforward answer to this question is entirely unjustified. Personally, I still have the pain on and off during the day.
But yes, it can be reversed by taking medications, fulfilling vitamin deficiencies, wearing appropriate footwear, and taking precautions. Walking or jogging is a perfect solution to diabetic neuropathy as it enhances your metabolism and lowers cholesterol levels.
Which Foods to Avoid in Diabetic Neuropathy?
Every fast food or processed meal can be dangerous for you. The reason is the number of salts and seasonings in it. Deep-fried snacks or chicken and all the foods that can increase your cholesterol are unsuitable for diabetic neuropathy.
And as a person with diabetes, eating healthily is always better – focussing on whole plant foods like whole grains, beans, cruciferous and other vegetables, seeds, nuts and fruits.
What Are the Best Diabetic Insoles?
Below is the list of the 10 best insoles for diabetic neuropathy according to Your Home For All Your Diabetes Needs – Diabetic & Me (diabeticme.org). I owe the content of this article to them.
They all have great arch and heel support for your feet, but some stand out.
To equip yourself with the best diabetics inserts, you must have a clear idea of what you want.
Below are some main features you should consider when acquiring the best shoe inserts. You must consider multiple factors, like size, materials, cushioning, and footbeds of the insoles.
1. Footbed
The footbed is an essential part because it acts as a shock absorber. If you want to categorize, you have three ranges; rigid, semi-rigid, and cushioned. You can get the one per your desire, but a cushioned footbed is more convenient.
2. Size
The size matters the most. It varies from person to person and shoe designs. As far as I know, there are two sizes one is full-length for exercise purposes, and the second is the 3/4 size for short or trendy shoes.
No matter how excellent the insole is, if you have chosen the wrong size, it will not comfort you. There are two sizes, ¾ size and a full-length insert.
To keep it simple, always use full-length inserts because they can also go with athletic footwear. Some of them are trimmable so that they can fit in every shoe.
3. Material
The durability and comfortable nature of insoles depend upon their material. Eva foam and gel are two types of top-quality materials that are used widely. Both have their pros and cons as per user needs. If you’re going for a foam footbed, check that EVA quality. Gel-type inserts are washable and anti-microbial. I leave this choice to you.
4. Support
Arch Support is a must for diabetic insoles. If you wear the shoes quite often, arch support allows you to wear them longer. Heel support usually acts as a shock absorbent, saving you from further damage.
Conclusion
Summing up the whole article in one line, inserts are an essential part of your diabetic life. Diabetic shoes without dynamic insoles are incomplete.
If you are still with me, you have a complete overview of diabetic shoe inserts. In my opinion, the PowerStep Pinnacle Supportive Insoles are the best on the list, but of course, it all depends on your needs, budget, and desires.