At The Diabetic Shoppe we have one particular service that we especially take pride in. The fitting and delivery of our custom orthotic insoles and diabetic shoes. People don’t really know how much goes into that aspect of the business and they often think that they just get diabetic shoes from The Diabetic Shoppe but in reality what we provide is quality of life for a large percentage of patients.

First, it’s important to note that we have a fleet of vans to go with a fleet of Pedorthists who fit and deliver each pair of shoes and orthotics that we create. We also have a huge high grade milling machine that creates the custom orthotics and a team of orthotic specialists who design and alter each one. Imagine the scope of that operation when you also have a team of people who are responsible for billing the products and a separate team who is responsible for collecting the necessary paperwork to make billing possible. Vans, gas, people, software, infrastructure and expertise are all required to make this work.

So, what is “this.” It’s simple when you realize that every patient who gets diabetic shoes is a diabetic. Then extrapolate and understand that every diabetic is in danger of amputation of lower limbs toes and other conditions related to their feet and diabetes. Finally, understand that diabetics usually can’t “feel” these conditions and perhaps can’t even see them very well until it is too late, the reality starts to dawn on you.

When you get diabetic shoes you get the following every single year:

1. A foot exam from your doctor, which is a paperwork requirement
2. A very thorough foot exam from our Pedorthist when they do your fitting

• A final exam when the shoes arrive and we ensure a perfect fit
• A good, high end pair of shoes
• Finally, 3 pairs of very high grade medical custom orthotic insoles (often these retail at a Podiatrist for 600 dollars a pair)

So, knowing all of this, it’s easy to see how, on average, a company like ours helps the Diabetic.  The Diabetic Shoppe by day in and day out fitting and delivering diabetic shoes we reduce the overall amount of debilitating amputations. It is also easy to see why your insurance pays for this preventative measure. With an average cost per amputation/recovery of $50,000 dollars and many subsequent complications which follow loss of a limb, not even counting the quality of life the patient loses, we feel we are providing a great service. Our diabetic shoes are relatively inexpensive compared to the alternatives and offer a great value to the insurance companies. Prevention is key and these products with the included foot exams end up saving a lot of money and a lot of sorrow.

So next time you hear someone say “I don’t need diabetic shoes” remember that the shoes are really one of the least important parts. I would argue that the foot examinations each year and the findings from these are the real key in prevention of foot problems down the road, and diabetics have foot problems.

When you don’t routinely get, your feet examined as a diabetic you are taking a risk. You don’t feel like it because you’ve probably went your whole life without really worrying about your feet. You have to take care of yourself and the number one way to do that as a diabetic is to monitor your blood glucose and have your feet and eyes examined regularly. Insurance companies want you to have this service. They are begging you to take preventative treatments because it helps everyone. We are very proud of the services we offer and if you take advantage of our diabetic shoes one time, you will keep coming back.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.