Diabetic footwear refers to custom designed shoes or shoe inserts that reduce the risk of diabetic foot disease and its progression to ulcers and amputation.
Standard footwear is not designed to address the unique needs of individuals with diabetic foot disease, and current options are expensive or do not adequately cater to the prevention of ulcers or the complex biomechanics of diabetic foot deformities.
Individuals with and at high risk of diabetic foot disease are the main stakeholders. Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant health concern in India, affecting an estimated 11 – 15 million (1.1 to 1.5 crore) individuals. Most amputations are performed on feet of individuals with diabetic neuropathy and secondary infections, which are preventable with appropriate footwear and timely intervention.
Inappropriate footwear is a major contributor to foot ulcers in patients with diabetic foot disease. Most commercially available footwear fails to address biomechanical stress points and are often bulky and unattractive, which discourages consistent use. Major challenges include balancing aesthetics with comfort, scaling production for diverse climates and economic conditions, and optimizing materials to achieve a mix of affordability, durability, and protective function. The prescribed footwear should also be worn over 80% of each day, and reviewed every three months for wear, tear, and fit. However, in practice adherence to wear and review is generally suboptimal.
Stepping Away from Diabetic Foot: Affordable, customizable footwear designed to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and reduce complications.
Additional Considerations:
The material must balance softness and support to prevent ulcer formation.
Footwear designs need to be adaptable to different climates, cultures, and economic conditions, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized products may be limited.
Patients desire functional yet aesthetically pleasing footwear. Current models are often bulky and unattractive, which discourages adherence.
Footwear that supports faster recovery, adherence, and improved patient mobility can reduce recurrence of ulcers and amputation.
