exercise 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.

1. Check your heart health first.

People who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes often have other co-existing health challenges, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or heart conditions. While exercise may help control diabetes, starting a rigorous fitness program without considering these other conditions would be a mistake.

For example, while exercise is generally a good move for heart health, working out too vigorously at first can cause issues. It is particularly important to chat with a doctor if you have blocked arteries or high blood pressure, as these conditions can be impacted by physical activity.

2. Always keep a 15 g carb snack with you – and don’t forget the water!

As a diabetic, it’s a good idea to stay hydrated and keep a low blood glucose treatment handy at all times. That advice is even more critical when you’re exercising. A 15g carb snack, like a granola bar, can serve as a necessary source of glucose in a pinch. This tip is particularly critical when you’re working out where food may not be readily available – for example, when you go on a wilderness hike.

3. Record your progress.

The more information you can provide to your doctor, the better. A record of what you’re doing will help a medical professional understand the progress you’re making and how your fitness plan is affecting your overall health. If writing everything down seems tedious, consider investing in a fitness tracker. These high-tech watches can keep an eye on steps, heart rate, movement goals and more – all information your doctor might find useful at your next check-up.

4. See the right professional.

While your family doctor might be great at diagnosing issues and prescribing medication, he or she may not be particularly experienced with diabetic fitness (after all, no one is an expert in everything!). Consider working with an exercise physiologist or a personal trainer with diabetic knowledge to get started in the right direction. An expert can show you which exercises to focus on, how hard to work, and even how to make fitness fun! If you’re new to exercise, having someone by your side to help out can make a big difference.

5. Test your blood sugar regularly.

Hemoglobin A1C and blood glucose testing are important rituals for any diabetic. For those taking on an exercise plan, testing has an added perk – motivation! Exercise often keeps blood sugar under control, and good test results can bring a sense of encouragement for those taking their first steps into a healthier lifestyle.

6. Take care of your feet and wear the right shoes when exercising.

Diabetes is linked to foot problems for two reasons. First of all, diabetes can cause nerve damage that impacts a foot’s sensitivity to pain – imagine breaking a toe while working out and not even feeling it! Add to this poor circulation issues, and suddenly feet are at major risk for active diabetics.

When working out, take these steps to protect your feet:

Pick an exercise plan that is lower risk for your feet. Instead of running on rough terrain, for example, try using an exercise bike or a paved sidewalk.

Nerve damage could make it difficult to detect injuries, so be sure to inspect your feet during and after an exercise session. If you fall on, twist, or hit your foot, do not use pain as an indicator of damage. Instead, stay off of the foot for a few hours and have it inspected by a medical professional.

Get diabetic shoes that are optimized for activity. Medicare and major insurance companies cover one pair and two inserts per year, so it’s best to replace your shoes every 12 months (it’s free, so why not?). If you’re a resident of the United States and want to see if you’re covered for diabetic shoes, click here.

Staying healthy with diabetes

Staying healthy with diabetes is not a matter of just taking a pill and moving on – lifestyle changes and preventative measures are often a critical part of a treatment plan. Done correctly, exercise can and should be a part of this journey!

Keeping healthy with diabetes doesn’t have to be expensive – while gyms and trainers are amazing support, even a daily walk outside in the right pair of shoes can help support a healthy, happy life.

Tag: exercise diabetes

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