Importance of plantar pressure measurements and appropriate footwear for diabetic patients

Diabetic Mellitus results from failure of the endocrine system to regulate blood glucose levels. Recent advances enable us to measure the pressures between the shoe or insole and the plantar foot during various activities. This was proven useful in the diagnosis and management of pressure related foot problems. Studies showed a nineteen percent (19%) recurrence rate of healed ulcer in patients using modified shoes and orthoses versus ninety percent (90%) in those using normal footwear. This paper will look at the importance of plantar pressure measurements on prescription of appropriate footwear, the effect of proper footwear and insoles on dispersing the plantar pressure, and the footwear and insoles benefits in reducing the probability of occurrence of ulcer and the recurrence of healed ulcers