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What's the thing with having diabetes and flights?
I heard that I might have problems with my feet and I should buy special socks.
Asked 1 years agoStatus: Open
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Answers (5) to: "What's the thing with having diabetes and flights?"
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Hello. I cannot answer anything about the "flights", but I can really attest to diabetes and feet pain. A lot of diabetics get what is called "Charcot foot". I have that now and am NOT diabetic, although I am learning that if a specific blood test called a "Hemoglobin A1C" is elevated, then it may be helpful to go thru the whole realm of glucose challenge tests, etc, just to have everything checked out. However, it is predominantly diabetics who suffer with Charcot foot. I am learning that in the beginning of the advanced stages, except for putting orthotics in your shoes, there is not too much that can be done, except soaking the feet (no more than 10 minutes a day in warm water only), wear good socks and perhaps get orthotics for your shoes. Initially I found a Sport/Ski shop that sold orthotics to put in ski boots that really helped, but now it is getting a little more complicated. Charcot is NOT fatal. It does affect 1 in about 2,500 people. D
Answered 9 months ago
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Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (formation of blood clot in the deep veins of the legs), as is flights, especially long ones in the crowded economy class. Therefore, diabetic patients flying have increased risk of thrombosis. The special socks augment the blood flow in those veins, thereby reducing the risk of formation of a clot.
You may read more here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/0001...
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wait, so are these socks good for people with problematic blood circulation? cause my feet are always cold...
Answered 1 years ago
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As above stated, diabetics are at increased risk for forming clots b/c of the damage to the blood vessel walls due to high glucose. This can cause narrowing in the arteries (vessels bringing blood to tissues) as well as increase your chance of a DVT. With regards to the socks, my guess is that you're talking about pressure socks which are common for people with varicose veins and venous insufficiency where blood doesn't return from the leg well. This stasis (non movement) of the blood makes it more likely for you to form a clot. The pressure stockings in turn prevent veins from dilating and allow more blood to return from the legs, keeping the blood moving and decreasing your chance for a clot. These stockings and raising your legs periodically are some of the best activities to decrease any pain from varicose veins or swelling in your legs from vessel problems. As you're sitting still in a flight, the lack of movement means there's less blood leaving your legs (as most blood in
Answered 9 months ago
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thank you so much Barbs for telling us about Charcot foot. I had no idea about this problem. Thank you again for the detailed and supportive answer. have a great day. irus.
Answered 9 months ago
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