What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by an absolute insulin deficiency and is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. The insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas stop functioning. Since insulin is the only hormone that lowers blood sugar levels and acts like a key to allow glucose to enter the body’s cells, those affected must rely on external insulin. This is administered either via an insulin pump or through regular injections. The exact reason why the insulin-producing beta cells are destroyed is still unclear.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and typically occurs in adulthood. It is characterized by a combination of insulin resistance and a relative insulin deficiency. This means the body’s cells no longer respond adequately to insulin, take up less glucose, and blood sugar levels rise. At first, the body compensates by producing more insulin, which leads to elevated insulin levels in the blood. However, over time, this constant strain exhausts the beta cells in the pancreas, and their function declines.

What is Type 3 Diabetes?

Type 3 diabetes is very rare and does not fall under either Type 1 or Type 2. It includes forms of diabetes caused by genetic mutations or defects, diseases of the pancreas or hormonal metabolism, or specific pre-existing conditions. Another possible cause of Type 3 diabetes can be adverse effects of medications, drugs, or chemicals.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes occurs in about five to ten percent of all pregnancies. The exact causes are not fully understood but resemble the risk factors of Type 2 diabetes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to insulin resistance and, therefore, increased insulin demand. Many women can compensate for this, keeping blood sugar levels stable. However, some cannot, and elevated glucose levels then indicate gestational diabetes.

How insoles can help with diabetic foot problems

A common question is what role insoles play in the treatment of foot problems in diabetes. In diabetics, awareness of the feet – especially in the case of secondary diseases – can be limited. Both the physical sensation and perception of the feet may be reduced, which is why attention must not be diverted from the feet.

It is crucial to avoid pressure points, as wound healing can be impaired in diabetes. Custom-made insoles help position the foot in a way that does not impair circulation and ensures the feet are optimally cushioned to prevent pressure points and injuries.

Regular check-ups by patients and therapists are especially important to detect and prevent possible problems early.

Scientificallz proven benefits of insoles: pressure reduction in the foot

Many patients are not aware of how custom-made insoles contribute to pain relief and prevention of injuries. Numerous scientific studies show that individually fitted shoe insoles reduce peak pressures and significantly improve the force-time integrals in the heel and at the first metatarsal bone.

In contrast, prefabricated insoles often lead to increased pressure values in the inner midfoot area. Lower pressure in the heel helps to avoid redness or more severe pressure points and thus significantly reduces the risk of infections

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The right shoe selection for diabetes

For diabetics, the right footwear is crucial to avoid foot problems. Shoes should fit well, support the foot, and prevent pressure points. Breathable materials and enough room for the toes are especially important.

Many shoes offer space for custom-made insoles that reduce pressure on the feet and prevent injuries. The soles should also provide sufficient cushioning and stability to maintain balance and ground sensation – especially in cases of diabetic neuropathy.

Even without insoles, the right footwear protects the feet, prevents injuries, and reduces the risk of secondary diseases that often cannot be reversed.

Recommended brands for diabetics

• Anova Medical: Swiss brand with optimal roll-off, cushioning, and comfort.
• Finn Comfort: Comfortable shoes and slippers with removable soles for individual insoles.

At Laufgsund, the foot health of our customers is especially important to us. People with diabetes are often affected by circulatory disorders and diabetic neuropathy, which can cause foot problems. 

Our physiotherapists support patients not only in rehabilitation but also work preventively to reduce the risk of foot complications.

Physiotherapists educate patients about what diabetes can do to the body, e.g., effects on circulation, nerves, and muscle function. They show how to actively maintain foot health and specifically strengthen stability, balance, and sensitivity to prevent falls and injuries.

Targeted exercises for foot health in diabetes

For patients with existing foot problems, we offer individual measures for wound healing and rehabilitation:

• Manual therapy to improve mobility

• Strengthening exercises for foot and leg muscles

• Circulation-promoting exercises to improve foot functionality and sensitivity

• Balance and stability exercises to prevent falls and misalignments

Through this combination of education, prevention, and targeted therapy, physiotherapists help to prevent long-term damage, improve quality of life, and effectively treat foot problems in diabetes.

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