According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 15 million women (or one in nine women) have diabetes in the United States. You might wonder — how is managing diabetes different for women versus men? Women with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as men.

Though walking won’t cure heart disease or eliminate your risk of developing a condition, it is a step in the right direction to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. Walking is a low-impact, easy way for most adults to start being more active.

Before taking to the sidewalks or hiking trails, you first need to carefully choose what you put on your feet. That doesn’t just include which brand and style of exercise shoes you wear. It also includes your socks.

Choosing the right pair of socks for women is more than just picking a pretty pattern or your favorite color from the bunch. A good pair of socks will help improve blood flow and keep your feet dry while also preventing irritation and foot injury.

This becomes even more important to women who have been diagnosed with diabetes. People with diabetes tend to have more foot problems due to poor blood circulation and a loss of feet sensitivity. 

Diabetic socks for women can be a great addition to your wardrobe to keep your feet healthy

, as even tiny wounds on your feet can lead to serious infections and other health problems.

Women’s diabetic socks are made a bit differently from regular women’s socks. These design changes are to help enhance comfort while simultaneously reducing foot injuries. Non-binding tops and light compression can help boost blood circulation. A seamless interior can prevent your socks from rubbing and causing blisters.

If you opt for moisture-wicking bamboo socks, your women’s diabetic socks will also keep your feet dry, which will prevent foot disease as moisture provides a breeding ground for bacteria. This can be vital for diabetics as roughly 50% of adults with diabetes experience a type of nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy that can make it easy to overlook foot injuries.

What To Look For In Diabetic Socks For Women:

Comfort: Diabetic socks should not squeeze the lower leg with heavy compression but have a looser, non-binding fit. Socks that are too tight may restrict the blood flow to your feet, which will make it difficult for any existing wounds to heal. Socks with materials like elastic bands, compressive textiles, and tight cuffs should be avoided.

Cushioning: Your socks should also have arch support and a cushioned footbed to provide comfort and fight foot fatigue. A little extra padding will help fight friction and prevent you from getting sores or other foot injuries.

Moisture-wicking fabric: Wet feet are dangerous for those who are at risk for foot infections. Keeping your feet dry will help you combat foot disease. Bamboo socks are a great option for diabetics as it naturally keeps your feet dry. Their antibacterial properties are also a bonus!

If you’re searching for a comfortable pair of women’s diabetic socks, look no further than EcoSox. You’ll find a variety of diabetic socks for women in various colors and cuff heights and styles — including crew, quarter, and hiking.