This guide is a shopping checklist, not medical advice. If you have diabetes, your doctor, podiatrist or diabetes educator can tell you how to look after your feet and which products suit you. Use the list below to find the items they mention and to compare options in our foot care and diabetes care collections.
Questions to ask your care team
- Should I look for a particular type of sock, such as seamless or non-binding?
- Do I need insoles or special footwear, and should they be custom or off the shelf?
- How often should I check my feet, and what should I look for?
- Is there anything I should avoid using on my feet?
Socks
When you shop for socks, the product page will tell you the material, the height (ankle, crew or over the calf) and whether the sock has compression. We carry Jobst SensiFoot over-the-calf socks and a range of Jobst and Blue Jay compression socks. If your care team has not recommended compression, check the mmHg level before buying. Our compression stockings mmHg guide explains the numbers.
Insoles
Insoles come in different shapes and materials. Options include PediFix Diabetic Defense orthotic insoles and other full-length and arch-support insoles in our insoles and arch supports collection. Check the size chart, and take your shoes with you when you compare, since a thicker insole needs room in the shoe.
Everyday supplies
- Insulin travel cases: Medicool insulin travel cases and Poucho cases come in single-pen to extra-large sizes.
- Syringes: EasyTouch and BD insulin syringes in several needle sizes and capacities. Use the size your prescriber has specified.
- Sharps containers: for used needles and lancets. See our sharps containers collection.
- Test strips and lancets: make sure the strips match your meter. See diabetes test strips and lancets and lancing devices.
A simple shopping checklist
- Sock type and size your care team recommends
- Insoles that fit your shoes
- A travel case if you carry insulin
- Syringes, test strips and lancets that match your prescriptions and meter
- A sharps container for safe disposal at home
If you notice anything new or unusual on your feet, contact your care team rather than trying to handle it yourself with over-the-counter products.