November 2018

Does Nike make Diabetic Shoes? Tips on Athletic Shoes for Diabetes

Active individuals often look to popular sports brands when picking a pair of sneakers, so they may find it challenging to find the right diabetic shoe at first. Well-known brands are often a dead end for those whose feet require special care; for example, Nike diabetic shoes are not a widely available option for buyers across the United States. The question is, then, what options do exist for active people with diabetes looking to protect their foot health?

As a Medicare-approved supplier carrying multiple therapeutic shoe brands, we know a thing or two about picking diabetic shoes for athletic activities. The purchase of a diabetic shoe is slightly different than that of a typical sports shoe, as they are custom-fitted and come with inserts for added support. For this reason, it’s a good idea to move beyond logos when picking your perfect pair.

Do I really need diabetic shoes instead of “regular” athletic shoes?

Foot health is a serious concern for people with diabetes – 60 percent of non-traumatic amputations in the United States each year involve diabetic patients, who often lose their feet as a result of diabetic neuropathy. One of the best ways to prevent these serious complications is to wear therapeutic shoes. This is such an effective preventative method that Medicare even covers them for many diabetics.

Those who live an active lifestyle should be particularly aware of the shoes they are wearing. While regular movement and exercise can be extremely helpful in managing diabetes, it can also put feet at added risk for sprains, blisters, cuts, and other issues. These can be more serious for people with diabetes for a few reasons:

Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet, hindering the ability to feel an injury. Those who don’t feel a sprain, blister, ulcer, or other issues right away are at high risk of making it much worse before getting medical attention;
Poor circulation can be caused by blood sugar issues. This can make it difficult for the foot to heal properly from an injury, increasing the likelihood that even a small blister or infection could become a major ulcer or other condition that requires amputation;
People with diabetes are more likely to have hammertoes, bunions, corns, and fungal infections. Diabetic circulation and nerve issues make these issues difficult to treat, so avoiding them in the first place and/or treating them with care when they do occur is a must.

Those who have foot issues combined with diabetes will be able to attain a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) from their doctors. This will provide Medicare coverage for diabetic shoes.

Even if they do not qualify a CMN, active people should consider purchasing a pair of diabetic athletic shoes as soon as possible after receiving a diabetes diagnosis. If purchased through the right channels, custom-fitted athletic shoes for people with diabetes are no more expensive than a pair of Nikes – in fact, No Cost Shoes (that’s us!) has all pairs on sale for $99 right now!

What are the best diabetic athletic sneakers?

There are quite a few diabetic shoe brands to choose from (you can read our full list of the best brands here). However, here is a rundown of the most popular shoe lines for active lifestyles:

New Balance

Those who enjoy shoes from companies like Nike or Adidas often gravitate to New Balance due to the familiar brand name. New Balance is probably the most well-known brand to offer a line of therapeutic sneakers. Both velcro and laced options are available, and the design of many New Balance shoes are optimized for an active lifestyle. Just be careful to confirm that the New Balance shoe you are buying is Medicare-approved for diabetic care, since not all shoes from this brand carry this approval – to be sure of this, you can order your shoes directly from a diabetic shoe supplier like nocostshoes.com.

Dr. Comfort

We’ve been referring to an “active lifestyle” a lot in this article, but the reality is that this term can mean a lot of different things. For example, one person might enjoy hiking and camping while another may frequent the gym. One might be a runner, while the other prefers rock climbing. As any athlete knows, these activities are significantly more safe and fun with the right pair of shoes.

Dr. Comfort is a great option for people seeking shoes that are “just right” for their favorite sport or physical activity. With multiple lines of Medicare-approved sneakers, hiking boots, gym shoes and more, many choose Dr. Comfort due to its wide range of options and styles. You can see their full lineup on our website here.

Anodyne

Maybe the reason you were seeking Nike diabetic shoes wasn’t brand name or options, but style. In that case, Anodyne might be a good fit for you. Anodyne’s sleek design in its Walker, Jogger, and Runner shoes have found a way to make velcro fasteners appear stylish, a welcome relief for style-conscious diabetic shoppers with limited mobility. They also offer Trail Boot options for hikers, as well as a few lace-up options for good measure. For shoppers aiming to combine comfort and style, Anodyne is a great option. See the full line-up of shoes here.

A final word on exercise and diabetes

We’ve written quite a bit about exercise and diabetes on our blog – it is an important topic, and one we are careful to educate people about as a supplier of diabetic shoes.

For more tips on exercise and diabetes, we invite you to read our 6 Tips on Going to the Gym for Diabetics or to take a peek at our infographic below for a summary of our top advice for physical activity with diabetes.

For more information about athletic diabetic shoes from nocostshoes.com, click here.

7 Smart Tips for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other Holidays with Diabetes

It can be challenging to manage diabetes during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Special meals, often hosted by people with little understanding of diabetes management, are plentiful this time of year. On top of that, parties and visits often involve a lot of traveling, and packed schedules are not uncommon.

Getting through the holidays with diabetes often requires a fair amount of preparation and thoughtfulness. Here are some great tips to help you in the pursuit of a fun and happy holiday season.

1) Set a portable alarm, such as one on a mobile phone, as a reminder for important medications and blood sugar testing.

Busy and changing schedules can make it challenging to remember medication or blood sugar checks. One way to avoid this is to set an alarm on a mobile phone or other portable device. This added reminder will make it easier to maintain important scheduled activities on the go.

2) Better yet, automate blood sugar testing with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).

CGMs can be extremely helpful during the holiday season because they automate blood sugar testing. CGMs are discreetly inserted under the skin and take regular glucose measurements on an ongoing basis. Since they alert the user to high and low glucose, they can be extremely handy for people on the go or who may be eating a bit differently during the holidays.

CGMs are covered by Medicare for qualifying patients – click here for more information about ordering this helpful tool.

3) Plan ahead for how many sweets and treats you will consume.

Getting to a party without a plan can often end in overindulgence. Be specific about what you are willing to “budget” for each holiday event – whether it’s a slice of grandma’s pie, a couple of chocolate goodies, or simply being conscientious of portion control. Those who are traveling to holiday parties with a close loved one, like a spouse or child, can share these “budgets” with their companion in order to better commit to the plan.

4) Offer to be the designated driver.

Alcohol is high in sugar and often plentiful at holiday parties. Once again, people with diabetes should plan ahead to clarify how much they can drink within their management plan. Those who wish to steer clear altogether can offer to drive others to and from a holiday party. This will be a help to others, as well as making it easier to explain why one is not drinking should they be asked.

5) Use a napkin instead of a plate when picking up appetizers.

Appetizers can sometimes be harder to manage than seated meals. It is easy to “lose track” of how much one has eaten while grazing on platters of meat, cheese, and goodies.

One way to ensure smaller portion sizes is to gather favorite snacks (especially vegetables!) on a napkin. This will ensure smaller portions compared to piling food a plate, while still giving people with diabetes the ability to carefully select, gather, and track items.

6) Contribute a dish to shared holiday meals.

One of the biggest challenges for diabetes during the holidays is the mystery of how meals are prepared. How much sugar, butter, and oil is in this dish, exactly?

While some families are not offended by the questioning, others might find it a faux pas to grill the host about their cooking methods. In these cases, people with diabetes can protect their health by contributing a healthy dish to the occasion. This ensures that there will be something on the table they can eat if the menu appears to be out of line with the diabetes management plan.

7) Wear the right shoes when going out.

Foot injuries can lead to serious complications and even loss of limb in people with diabetes. This is why Medicare covers a pair of diabetic shoes and 3 sets of inserts for qualifying patients each year (click here for more information).

Wearing the right shoes is important during the holidays. You never know who might have a loose step, icy driveway or uneven floor. Additionally, standing to chat or walking between events will often be expected.

Whether you need winter-friendly boots or a nice pair of dress shoes for a church event, it’s a good idea to make sure a therapeutic pair is in the closet to match each occasion.

Deadline to Order Diabetic Shoes within Medicare’s “Calendar Year” is Weeks Away!

Important reminder: Qualifying people with diabetes only have a few weeks left to order shoes for Medicare/insurance coverage within the 2018 calendar year. Click here or call 1-866-923-2423 to fill out an application for coverage today.

What does “calendar year” mean in Medicare or insurance terminology?

When someone orders diabetic shoes covered by Medicare or insurance, they may see the term “CY” or “Calendar Year” listed beside the coverage (see below image). But, what does that really mean?

In insurance and Medicare terminology, “calendar year” applies to the period between January and December of any given year. That means a covered individual can order one pair of shoes and three sets of inserts at any time in 2018, then again anytime in 2019, and again in 2020…any month within each year, as long as a doctor deems them medically necessary.

This is slightly different than having shoes covered once every 12 months because it is less restrictive – a claimant does not necessarily have to wait 12 months to get their next pair, so long as they are in the next calendar year. For example, a person could order a pair of diabetic shoes in November 2018, then get another pair in March 2019, and get their next pair in January 2020. This provides some freedom for people order shoes when they need them, rather than having to make them last for 12 months each time. This is a good thing, because diabetics should wear their therapeutic shoes and inserts every day and may want new ones sooner than expected!

Don’t leave a diabetic shoe order to the last minute – order before the end of November!

Many people choose to order their diabetic shoes from nocostshoes.com at the end of the year. This can be strategic – those who get shoes in October or November have to wait less time to order their next pair of Medicare-covered shoes, since their coverage restarts again in January. Other times, it’s less about strategy and more the result of forgetting or putting off ordering until the end of the year.

Whatever the reason, waiting until October or November to place an order is a common choice, but ordering any later than that may place the order in the next calendar year. Why? Because there are several steps required to obtain Medicare coverage, all of which need to be completed within the calendar year (in this case, 2018) in order to finalize the claim.

For those who place an order for shoes after mid-December will have their order shipped and billed in January. As a result, their final Medicare claim will fall under the following calendar year.

Tips for remembering to order diabetic shoes

Remembering to order diabetic shoes during each calendar year isn’t just a smart choice financially – it is also critical for health and well-being. But, how can qualifying diabetic Americans remember to order a pair each year? Here are some of the things our customers do to keep this coverage top-of-mind:

Book regular appointments with a family doctor and ask them to make a note of the need for shoes each year. To access diabetic shoes covered by Medicare and/or insurance, people with diabetes need paperwork filled out by their doctors. That’s why many people who need diabetic shoes ask their family doctor to make a note on their charts about the need for this equipment each year. People who need these shoes should already have regular appointments booked in advance, so it’s easy to ask the office to note that this appointment should involve discussion of diabetic shoes. Also, when noting the appointment in one’s own calendar, be sure to add a note about diabetic shoes.
Order shoes right after a doctor’s appointment. Of course, a reminder from the doctor doesn’t mean much if it isn’t followed by action. Those who make a routine of ordering shoes right after a regular checkup each year may find it easier to remember this important order.
Ask a podiatrist if it’s time for new shoes. Those who are better able to remember deadlines can also be strategic about their order by asking their podiatrist during a Medicare-covered appointment to whether their inserts/shoes are due for a replacement. If they say no, it may be wise to wait until later in the year (September – early November) to order shoes. If they say yes, of course, order them ASAP!
Tell a few loved ones about the deadline. It might be tough to remember the application deadline on one’s own, but telling a spouse, caregiver, and children about it as well will increase the likelihood someone will remember.
Write it down. Of course, the best advice is often the simplest – make a note in a calendar and stick to it! For those who do better with routine, picking a month each year to make an order is the best option.

Medicare won’t cover my therapeutic shoes. Now what?

At No Cost Shoes, we’re often surprised by how many people are unaware of Medicare’s coverage of shoes for diabetic Americans. It’s a huge benefit, and one that can make a big difference in the lives of people with diabetes. But, as more people find out about this coverage, those who do not qualify have started asking: “What can I do if I want diabetic shoes and Medicare won’t cover them?” Luckily, there are a few steps you can take if you find that coverage is not available to you at this time.

What are the Medicare requirements for diabetic shoe coverage?

In order for Medicare and most insurance plans to cover diabetic shoes, a doctor must attest that the patient needs them by filling out a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN). Patients may qualify for a CMN if they have both diabetes and a pre-existing foot condition of some kind. Qualifying foot conditions include:

history of partial or complete foot amputation
history of previous foot ulceration
history of preulcerative callus
nerve damage because of diabetes with signs of problems with calluses
poor circulation
foot deformity

Some people have diabetes but are unaware if they have any foot condition. Others may have foot conditions but not be diabetic. For these individuals (many of whom can still benefit a great deal from diabetic shoes!) there are a few options.

Tip #1: Visit a podiatrist to confirm whether you have any hidden foot issues.

Although your family doctor is often the one filling out a CMN for your diabetic shoes, early warning signs of diabetic neuropathy and other foot conditions are most likely to be identified by a podiatrist.

If you have diabetes, Medicare covers one foot exam every 6 months. Take advantage of this coverage and maintain regular appointments to stay on top of your foot health. If you have a hidden condition that may entitle you to free diabetic shoes, or if you develop one in the future, a podiatrist can identify the first signs.

Tip #2: Look online for affordable diabetic shoes.

Many people with and without diabetes who do not qualify for diabetic shoes covered by Medicare still benefit from therapeutic footwear a great deal. It can increase comfort and mobility, as well as playing an important role in preventing amputation and associated foot issues. However, the high-priced specialty shoes that a local medical supplier or podiatrist may sell can be out of the price range of someone without coverage.

Online suppliers are a great option here. Even without coverage, you’ll want to look for a Medicare-approved supplier, such as nocostshoes.com, to ensure you are getting a high-quality product. In our case, therapeutic shoes with specialty inserts cost only $99 online – much less than you would pay in a specialist’s office.

Tip #3: Check your health insurance for additional coverage options.

Some insurance companies cover orthotics for a wider range of patients, so it’s a good idea to have a closer look at your policy before paying out-of-pocket for your shoes. Contact your insurance company to clarify the conditions they may have for covering orthotics, therapeutic shoes, and other specialty items, particularly if a doctor recommends them.

If you purchase your own insurance coverage instead of getting it through an employer, it can be helpful to “shop around” for a provider with a workable policy on durable medical equipment such as therapeutic shoes. These policies can also help cover the deductible for Medicare coverage, which can eliminate out-of-pocket cost if and when you do qualify for shoes.

Additional questions? Give us a call!

At No Cost Shoes, we are diabetic shoe experts. With direct billing options to both Medicare and insurance, we know exactly how coverage works. We can also offer great, affordable options to those who are not currently eligible for coverage. For more information, call us at 1-866-923-2423. You can also check your eligibility for coverage using our easy online portal here.