Sometimes ref2242ed to as extra depth, therapeutic shoes or Sugar Shoes, are specially designed shoes, or shoe inserts, intended to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics with co-existing foot disease.
The primary goal of therapeutic footwear is to prevent complications.
Diabetic foot complications can include strain, ulcers, calluses, or even amputations for patients with diabetes and poor circulation.
Neuropathy can also change the shape of a person’s feet, which limits the range of shoes that can be worn comfortably.
Diabetic shoes must be prescribed by a physician and fit by a qualified individual, such as an orthotist, podiatrist or pedorthist.
The shoes must also be equipped with a removable orthotic, such as shoe inserts, arch supports, or shoe fillers such as lifts, wedges and heels.
The diabetic shoes and custom-molded inserts work together as a preventative system to help diabetics avoid foot injuries and improve mobility.
Diabetic shoes can be covered by Medicare.