08 February 2011

What is so special about Diabetic Socks ?

Diabetic Socks are basically just socks which are made with the diabetics in mind, with features that a diabetic would need. Diabetics typically need to pay more attention to their foot as diabetic neuropathy usually renders diabetics unable to feel festering foot injuries. In addition, within 3 years of a first amputation, up to 50% of these patients have a second either new same side or contralateral amputation. (click here to read about a medical research on recommendation of sockwear for diabetics)

So what is so special about diabetic socks ?  If you 'googled' diabetic socks today, you will find a wide range of diabetic socks from all different types of manufacturers from USD 2 per pair of socks to about USD 70 per pair.  So what makes a sock diabetic friendly ?


There are some characteristics which typically makes a sock diabetic friendly:
  • Seamless Toe
  • Non-binding
  • Extremely Comfortable
    Basically, any socks which meet the minimum criteria above can be called a diabetic socks.  (There's really no guideline in what makes a sock diabetic friendly.)

    Another area to look at is the cushioning or padding of the socks, especially for patients who are at risk for ulcer development because of decreased pressure sensation. Therefore having thick padding or cushioning would help to reduce that from happening.

    Another feature which a number of diabetic socks have is the ability to keep the feet dry.  Moisture in the socks sometimes will cause bilsters to formed from friction and is a big watch out for a diabetic.  Therefore a number of diabetic socks advertise features like ' CoolMaX', 'Superior Wicking' etc. (Wicking is the ability of a sock/material to pull moisture away from the surface.)


    Some of the diabetic socks as well have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, odour-free properties etc.  You should choose your socks considering the type of environment where you wear your socks (weather, humidity etc), and also for what purpose.


    Often, I am asked, can a normal pair of socks be used instead of diabetic socks for diabetic patients.  To me, the answer is yes, as long as it does not cause bilsters, does not retain moisture and keep the feet dry, does not cause constrictions/restrictions etc and protect your feet and most importantly it is extremely comfortable.  In another words, the socks should have all the features which a pair of diabetic socks should have.


    Another guideline that I often used, is the certification by the APMA - Seal of Acceptance.  (American Podiatric Medical Association.)  Click here for the list of products with the Seal of Acceptance for Diabetics.


    My personal recommendation among the range of diabetic socks would be the Reflexa Diabetic Socks.  The reason of my recommendation is not because it is the most expensive in our shop, but because once I found this sock for my Dad, I stopped looking for other socks. 

    Reflexa socks is on the list of products with the Seal of Acceptance from APMA for Diabetics.  They have also won the 1st Rehabilation Product in the Conference of Diabetico Expo in Germany in 2010.


    Their unique features besides Non Binding & Seamless Toe is the special material used called Celliant which actually helps to increase blood oxygen levels and helps to retain heat which would then keep your feet warm.  Celliant has been clincially proven to relieve pain, promote quicker healing, heighten athletic performance and help to regulate body temperature.  Try a pair of Reflexa socks to see.  (Diabetic Thin is more suited for our Asia warmer climate while Diabetic has thicker padding.) It helps my dad previously swollen feet and I hope it helps you or your family.

    Click here to shop for all ranges of diabetic socks in our shop.

    27 January 2011

    Diabetic Specialities wants to share this Medical News Today article with you

    Dear Readers,

    Diabetic Specialities (info@diabeticshop.coms.sg) saw this article on the Medical News Today website and thought you might be interested in it:

    ************************************************************

    Researchers Uncover Potential 'Cure' For Type 1 Diabetes

    Type 1 diabetes could be converted to an asymptomatic, non-insulin-dependent disorder by eliminating the actions of a specific hormone, new findings by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers suggest...

    To read the full article, please go to:
    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/214912.php

    ************************************************************

    -- Disclaimer --
    Medical News Today is not responsible for the content of this e-mail. Anything written in this e-mail does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Medical News Today. Please note that this e-mail is an automated notification e-mail, sent by Diabetic Specialities, via a form on the Medical News Today website. For that reason, neither the e-mail address nor name of the sender have been verified.

    02 January 2011

    MedicineNet Link Sent From a Friend | Exercise Crucial for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1, and Metabolic Disorders Treatment and Medications on MedicineNet.com

    info@diabeticshop.com.sg recently visited MedicineNet and thought that you would be interested in the following information.

    Exercise Crucial for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1, and Metabolic Disorders Treatment and Medications on MedicineNet.com
    http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=123326


    --------------
    MedicineNet.com provides easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information for consumers produced by U.S. Board Certified Physicians. Here are the popular MedicineNet sections:

    Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs – Pinpoint Your Pain
    http://www.medicinenet.com/symptoms_and_signs/article.htm

    Images, Pictures, and Slideshows on Health and Medical Topics
    http://www.medicinenet.com/image_collection/article.htm
    http://www.medicinenet.com/slideshows/article.htm

    Diseases & Conditions
    http://www.medicinenet.com/diseases_and_conditions/article.htm

    MedicineNet – We Bring Doctors' Knowledge To You

    MedicineNet Link Sent From a Friend | Whole-Fat Dairy Products May Lower Diabetes Risk - Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1, and Metabolic Disorders Treatment and Medications on MedicineNet.com

    info@diabeticshop.com.sg recently visited MedicineNet and thought that you would be interested in the following information.

    Whole-Fat Dairy Products May Lower Diabetes Risk - Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1, and Metabolic Disorders Treatment and Medications on MedicineNet.com
    http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=123804


    --------------
    MedicineNet.com provides easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information for consumers produced by U.S. Board Certified Physicians. Here are the popular MedicineNet sections:

    Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs – Pinpoint Your Pain
    http://www.medicinenet.com/symptoms_and_signs/article.htm

    Images, Pictures, and Slideshows on Health and Medical Topics
    http://www.medicinenet.com/image_collection/article.htm
    http://www.medicinenet.com/slideshows/article.htm

    Diseases & Conditions
    http://www.medicinenet.com/diseases_and_conditions/article.htm

    MedicineNet – We Bring Doctors' Knowledge To You

    10 December 2010

    Diabetic Specialities Team wants to share an interesting article from e! Science News

    Diabetic Specialities Team thought you would be interested in the following article:

    A myriad of inputs can indicate a body's health bombard pancreatic beta cells continuously, and these cells must consider all signals and "decide" when and how much insulin to release to maintain balance in blood sugar, for example. Reporting in Nature Chemical Biology last month, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have teased out how these cells interpret incoming signals and find that three proteins relay signals similar to an electrical circuit.


    23 November 2010

    Diabetic Specialities Newsletter Issue 1 - Nov 2010



     Diabeticshop.com.sg
    Newsletter Nov 2010

     Thanks for joining us!  It has been a busy 2 months trying to increase the range of products that our online shop carries.  We are happy to state that we are now distributors for a number of companies who have products which are innovative, provide value & are beneficial to our customers.

    Frio Cooling Wallets for Pump
    For Insulin Users, did you know insulin should be kept below 30°C?  Instead of just using ice packs in ziploc or plastic bags with our insulin pens when you are on the move, there are a number of products that are very popular in the US and Europe which might help to do the job nicely.

    FRIO®  is one such company.  Their insulin cooling wallets have proved extremely useful for many customers worldwide.  We are now one of the international distributors for FRIO® products and we have brought in a wider ranges of their products (Pump wallets, Vitesse Travel Case, Waterproof Liners etc) & in all different colours for our customers.  Prices of the FRIO® cooling wallets has also been reduced due to the special deal we have with them.  Interesting to note, the FRIO® products we sell proved to be extremely popular with our overseas customers - probably due to the light shipping weight of this product, making it very economical to ship the product overseas. Do check out the variety on our website.

    Happy Feet as if there're no Socks!
    The market of diabetic socks are clouded with a large number of products from all types of manufacturers  and due to the fact sometimes it is difficult to verify the benefit of wearing diabetic socks, it has created a market similar to health supplements.  So we were quite pleased to have found the awards and certification that Reflexa has received from the industry.  This sock has caused excitment in a number of conferences where they have been exhibiting.  They have won the 1st place in Diabetica Expo 2009, received the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (stating that they are beneficial to foot health) and also the EU's CE mark. In additions, they have publish a number of scientific & clinical proven tests done on patients wearing the socks.   Based on all these data, we have decided to pursue a deal with Intersocks company who manufactures the Reflexa® diabetic socks range.  This sock can now be ordered across all the sizes and colours on our website. 
    which one?

    Also to increase our diabetic socks across all the price ranges, we have selectively brought in the more popular socks from countries like US, UK and Canada.  These socks are selected based on a broad based feedback and reviews from their customers.  We now carries diabetic socks ranges from SGD 7 to SGD 38.  Obviously they have different product features and you would need to decide what would be best suited for your needs.  Click here to Browse Diabetic Socks.


    Delicious Pasta - Less Carbo @ Cheaper Price!
    Yummy!
    On working to keep our cost down and make items affordable to all our customers, we have also reduced the price of our Low GI pasta from Dreamfields. (The GI is 13 which is 65% lower than regular pasta, & with only 5g digestible carbs per serving.)   This product would be ideal for the weight & carbo watchers and is extremely popular in the US and UK. The price as well has been brought down by 20% (from SGD 10 to SGD 8).  This was only made possible by reducing cost in our supply chain as shipping pasta from the US to Singapore is an extremely 'heavy' undertaking.  We do hope this would enable more customers to try out this delicious and low GI pasta and yet not burn a big hole in their wallets.  More ranges (Angelhair - one of my favourite, and Elbows) are also now available for orders.


    Lower Cost Shipping Option is now available!
    (For products lower than 2 kg)

    We have brought another shipping option to you. We can now shipped overseas with a cheaper alternative with Singpost Airmail Registered Articles.  This alternative method of shipping has brought down shipping cost by about 75% as compared to Singpost Airparcel.  This shipping option has approximately the same number of transit days with Singpost Airparcel but does not have online real-time tracking or insurance included.  Online tracking for registered item for some countries is still available but with about 1-2 working days delay.  For other countries, the tracking is only available at your post office.  Singpost Airmail is only applicable for products up to 2 kg and would be suitable for products like FRIO cooling wallets and the diabetic socks.

    We have also spent some effort and customized our online store to be more user friendly.  We hope you like the new design and layout. ;p  Some new key functionalities are highlighted as follows:
    • When you are browsing our products, you can choose to view either in a list form or in a thumbnail form.
    • You can also sort our products based on price or brand name.
    Some of you might have noticed, our online shop is now carrying the Paypal Buyer Protection Seal.  This means safer shopping for you as an online customer.


    As always we are working with a number of other suppliers to bring in more products (more candies and biscuits are in the immediate pipeline) and are constantly sourcing for interesting, innovative, beneficial products for you.  If you come across any such product, do drop us a line at info@diabeticshop.com.sg.

    Thanks & Have a good week and weekend ahead!

    From the team @ diabetic specialities

    17 September 2010

    Diabetic Specialities Team wants to share an interesting article from e! Science News

    Diabetic Specialities Team thought you would be interested in the following article:

    A drug developed at the University of Kansas has the potential to stop a debilitating condition of diabetes that often leads to pain in the extremities and even amputations, KU researchers have found.


    02 September 2010

    Diabetic Specialities Team wants to share an interesting article from e! Science News

    Diabetic Specialities Team thought you would be interested in the following article:

    Older adults with diabetes who have high blood pressure, walk slowly or lose their balance, or believe they're in bad health, are significantly more likely to have weaker memory and slower, more rigid cognitive processing than those without these problems, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association.


    30 August 2010

    Diabetic Specialities Team wants to share an interesting article from e! Science News

    Diabetic Specialities Team thought you would be interested in the following article:

    Research led by the Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick has found that unhealthy glucose levels in patients with diabetes can cause significantly more problems for the body than just the well-known symptoms of the disease such as kidney damage and circulation problems. The raised glucose can also form what can be described as a sugar coating that can effectively smother and block the mechanisms our bodies use to detect and fight bacterial and fungal infections.


    Diabetic Specialities Team wants to share an interesting article from e! Science News

    Diabetic Specialities Team thought you would be interested in the following article:

    Eating more green leafy vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, finds research published today on bmj.com.


    Diabetic Specialities Team wants to share an interesting article from e! Science News

    Diabetic Specialities Team thought you would be interested in the following article:

    Many middle-aged and older adults with diabetes are sexually active according to a study of nearly 2,000 people aged 57 to 85 presented in the September 2010 issue of the journal Diabetes Care. Almost 70 percent of partnered men with diabetes and 62 percent of partnered women with diabetes engaged in sexual activity two or three times a month, comparable to those without diabetes, the study showed.