Doctors agree that patients with diabetes, compared to non-diabetics, need to take special care of their feet. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First of all, diabetics are more likely to suffer from nerve damage, which is characterized by numbness in the hands and feet. A diabetic that can not feel his feet, many times can not feel sores or blisters forming on them. Sores and blisters also often take longer to heal in diabetics. This is because they often have poor circulation, due to hardening or blockage in their arteries.

Diabetic socks can be the answer for many diabetics who are looking to take proper care of their feet. These special stockings are designed specifically with diabetics in mind, and there are several reasons to wear these instead of regular socks.

1. Most socks for diabetics are seamless. This can be beneficial, since the absence of seams usually means less irritation on the toes. Seams can sometimes rub on a person's toes, causing blisters or other types of sores. Since diabetics take longer to heal, any open wound is more likely to become infected.

2. Regular socks usually have an elastic band around the ankle or calf. This elastic can constrict the blood vessels in this area, causing the blood circulation to become cut off. Diabetic ones do not have this elastic band. Instead, they compress the foot uniformly, and doctors agree that this can actually help increase circulation in the feet.

3. Everyday stockings are usually made from material that is very thin. There is no extra padding in the areas that make contact with the inside of shoes the most – the heels and balls of the feet. Most types of diabetic stockings have extra padding in these areas. Not only does this provide more comfort, but it also decreases the likelihood or abrasions and blisters in these areas.

4. Moisture control is another reason to wear these types of socks instead of regular ones. Since ordinary ones are often made from cotton, they absorb moisture, trapping it near the feet. This can lead to bacterial and fungal infections, and make feet more prone to getting blisters. Diabetic socks, on the other hand, are usually made from a blend of cotton and synthetic materials, like rayon, acrylic, and nylon. These materials help keep moisture away from the feet, resulting in a decreased possibility of infection.

Diabetics are also not the only people who can benefit from this type of footwear. People without foot problems also find them much more comfortable than regular socks, and they often report having fewer problems with their feet.