Diabetic Shoes Specialist

How does diabetes affect my feet?

Diabetes is a disease marked by high blood sugar levels and your pancreas’ inability to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. 

When your blood sugar levels are too high, it negatively impacts your circulation, increasing your risk of foot-related health problems like:

• Gangrene
• Corns
• Fungal infections
• Bunions

High blood sugar levels also damage the nerves in your feet, which may affect your balance and overall mobility. Poor circulation to your feet also makes it harder for wounds and ulcers to heal.

Are there different types of diabetic shoes?

If you maintain your blood sugar levels, special diabetic shoes aren’t always necessary. Many people with diabetes wear comfortable, well-fitting sneakers or tennis shoes. 

However, if your diabetes causes wounds, infections, or other issues, the team at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center recommends one of the following types of diabetic shoes:

In-depth shoes

In-depth shoes get their name because they’re ¼ - ½ inch deeper than regular shoes. This additional space relieves pressure on corns and calluses, and accommodates custom-molded orthotics or inserts.

Healing shoes

The team at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center prescribes healing shoes for people who are recovering from surgery, ulcers, or infections. If you have diabetes, your doctor prescribes close-toed healing shoes to lower your risk of further complications.

Custom-made shoes

Custom-made shoes are specially manufactured for you. The team uses 3D scanning technology to develop custom-made shoes. The technology the team uses documents every curve, corn, and foot deformity. Your podiatrist uses this information to develop a pair of custom, comfortable diabetic shoes.

Do I qualify for diabetic shoes?

The podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center only offer diabetic shoes to Medicare patients. If you aren’t sure what type of medical insurance you have, call your provider prior to scheduling an appointment. 

Any shoe with the American Medical Association’s Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code A5500 or A5501 is diabetic footwear. These classifications ensure Medicare covers the cost of your shoes.

Don’t let diabetes-related foot problems prevent you from living your best life. To learn more about the benefits of diabetic shoes, call or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment at Foot & Ankle Specialty Center today.