Tag Archives: Diabetes

Medicare Does Cover Diabetic Shoes If You Need Them

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If you or someone you know suffers from diabetes, then you know that one of their main concerns is the condition of their feet. A diabetic’s foot is prone to foot pains and has a much higher risk of cuts and bruises. This is why many doctors recommend a yearly foot exam to their patients. It may be necessary to get them checked out more than once a year if your feet are continually bothering you. One thing your doctor may do is prescribe you a pair of diabetic shoes. These shoes have proven themselves time and time again to help relieve discomfort and reduce the chance of more serious problems arising in the near future.

This discomfort that many diabetics tend to feel in their feet is caused by either poor circulation or nerve damage. Diabetic shoes will literally ease your pain and make your life more enjoyable.

Let me explain how this is possible. Diabetic shoes are specially designed with comfort and function in mind. Typically they have extra room around the toes and the foot in general which makes them extra comfortable. The extra space not only makes it comfortable but helps prevent ulcers by allowing any dampness to dry faster, and reducing friction between the shoe and your foot. The soles are usually custom made with rubbery spikes. These rubbery spikes will massage your feet with every step you take. By massaging your feet throughout the day, they help increase blood circulation in the foot keeping it at peak levels.

Unfortunately there’s a slight problem with diabetic shoes. These types of shoes aren’t usually found in your local department store. Specialized diabetic shoes are usually only available by prescription. If you are a diabetic, then it would be wise for you to go talk to your podiatrist. They can tell you what type of shoe would be best for your condition. The severity of your diabetes will help immensely in determining which shoe best fits your needs. Believe it or not your Podiatrist can write you a prescription for shoes.

If you just happen to be on medicare then you can receive a pair of shoes for free. Diabetics on Medicare are allowed one free pair of shoes every year. This is great for anyone living on a budget. Many people don’t realize that this service is even out there. You may also want to check with your insurance companies, many will cover the cost of these shoes as well.

Doctors commonly recommend a pair of diabetic shoes before you even start experiencing foot pains or discomfort. The massaging provided by theses shoes is an excellent way to prevent future foot problems. Unfortunately, Medicare generally will only cover the cost once you are already experiencing foot problems.

However, if you have diabetes, it is completely worth your time and money to put in the extra effort to buy and wear these shoes on a daily basis. Common sense always tells us it’s better to prevent future problems than to try and fix them when they arise, even if Medicare does not cover the cost.

Are You Depressed? Is Diabetes a Reason for That?

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Feeling down once in a while is normal. But some people feel a sadness that just won’t go away. Life seems hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for two weeks or more is a sign of serious depression.

Depression and diabetes are two conditions that can sometimes go hand-in-hand. First, diabetes can increase the risk of depression. In fact, having diabetes doubles the risk of depression. Conversely, depression also can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Does diabetes cause depression?

All people with diabetes may not have depression. But studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression.

The stress of daily diabetes management can build. You may experience loneliness or set apart from your family because of all this extra work.

If you face diabetic complications such as nerve damage, or if you are having trouble keeping your blood sugar levels at prescribed levels, you may feel like you’re losing control of your diabetes. Even tension between you and your doctor may make you feel frustrated and sad.

It’s often a vicious cycle. Depression can get worse as the complications of diabetes get worse, and being depressed can stop people from managing their diabetes as effectively as they need to, which can lead to increased chances of long-term complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy or nephropathy.

Unfortunately, a large number of people suffering from depression and diabetes never receive help for the depression. It’s not even recognized by healthcare professionals as people who are depressed don’t communicate to their doctors about their thoughts and feelings or don’t realize that they are depressed.

Symptoms of Depression

Knowing the symptoms of depression is important for getting the help that’s needed.

· Loss of pleasure.

· Change in sleep patterns.

· Feeling restless or anxious for no apparent reason.

· Change in appetite.

· Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless.

· Not being able to concentrate.

· Nervousness.

· Fatigue or loss of energy, feeling “dragged out” and tired.

· Suicidal thoughts.

· No interest in the things that used to bring pleasure.

If you have three or more of these symptoms, or if you have just one or two but have been feeling bad for two weeks or more, it’s time to get help.

When to get help?

If you have any of these symptoms of depression, then you should seek help. First, talk about it to your doctor. Some physical conditions can also be the reason of depression.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can also cause symptoms that look like depression. High or low blood sugar during day may make you feel tired or anxious. Low blood sugar levels can also lead to hunger and eating too much. If you have low blood sugar at night, it could disturb your sleep. If you have high blood sugar at night, you may get up often to urinate and then feel tired during the day.

Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will be able to help you discover if it is a physical problem that is the root of your sad feelings.

Treating Depression

Getting help for depression not only improves a person’s quality of life, it also can help people manage their diabetes better by giving them more energy and a more hopeful outlook towards life. Talking to a counselor or therapist can be helpful. Most prescription anti-depressant drugs are appropriate for people with diabetes and do not affect glycemic control. Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), however, can affect blood glucose levels, so it should be used with caution to treat depression that is complicated by a co-existing diagnosis of diabetes.