Diabetes affects millions of people in the UK and can have a significant impact on foot health, comfort and workplace safety. While many people understand that diabetes is linked to blood sugar levels, fewer realise how the condition can affect circulation, nerve function and wound healing in the feet.
For anyone working in construction, manufacturing, logistics, engineering or other safety-critical environments, these foot health challenges can create additional risks. The right safety footwear, socks and insoles can help reduce irritation, improve comfort and support healthier feet at work.
Foot health is our passion and our area of expertise, so while we'll share some eye-opening facts about diabetes, we'll also recommend footwear features and accessories that could help support those facing the challenges it presents. Because while diabetes is a chronic condition that needs to be taken seriously, the right knowledge, footwear and accessories can help people stay safe, comfortable and productive at work.
Diabetes is a chronic (life-long) condition that occurs when blood glucose levels become too high because the body does not produce enough insulin, or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is essential because it helps regulate blood sugar levels and allows the body's cells to use glucose for energy.
Over time, diabetes can contribute to a range of health complications, including:
Heart disease
Kidney problems
Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
Reduced pancreatic function
Eye damage and vision problems
Neuropathy (numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the feet)
One of the most common questions people ask is: "Why does diabetes affect the feet?"
The answer lies in the effect diabetes can have on both nerves and blood vessels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the feet (known as diabetic neuropathy) and reduce blood circulation. As a result, people with diabetes may:
Not notice cuts, blisters or rubbing
Heal more slowly after foot injuries
Be more vulnerable to infection
Experience numbness, tingling or burning sensations
Develop foot ulcers if damage goes untreated
This is why regular foot checks and properly fitted footwear are so important.
Diabetes has far greater implications for foot health than many people realise. Tingling and numbness are often among the earlier symptoms, but diabetes can also cause:
Restricted blood supply to the feet
Damage to blood vessels
Tissue damage
Reduced healing capability
If someone living with diabetes cuts their foot or experiences rubbing from rough materials, seams or poorly fitting footwear, they may not feel the damage immediately because of reduced sensation.
This can lead to:
Undetected cuts or abrasions
Blisters
Foot ulcers
Infection
Slow-healing wounds
Because elevated blood sugar levels can slow the body's natural healing processes, even a seemingly minor foot injury can develop into a more serious problem if left untreated. In severe cases, complications from diabetic foot wounds can result in amputation.
Moreover, because of the elevated blood sugars that diabetes cause, the normal rate of healing of damaged tissue is much slower - and slow healing wounds can lead to infection, and in more serious cases, amputation.
In other words, a simple mark or rubbing point caused by a seam or poorly fitting boot can become a significant health concern.
The statistics surrounding diabetes and foot health highlight just how important prevention can be.
According to Diabetes UK:
1 in 10 people over 40 now has Type 2 diabetes
More than 4.7 million people in the UK are living with diabetes
The number of people affected is expected to rise to 5.5 million by 2030
Diabetes-related amputations remain a major healthcare concern
These figures reinforce why preventing blisters, pressure points, rubbing and injuries should be a priority for those with diabetes.
For workers in safety-critical industries, choosing the right safety footwear can play an important role in supporting foot health.
Below, we identify some common diabetic foot health concerns and recommend features that may help address them.
Excess moisture can increase the risk of blisters, skin irritation and infection because damp skin becomes softer and more vulnerable to friction.
Seam-free or anti-rub socks
Breathable footwear
Lightweight materials
Moisture management
This luxury comfort work sock features a soft stay-up top band and a no-rub toe seam, helping to minimise irritation and friction.
The V12 Sports range combines protection with a lightweight, breathable construction. The mesh microfibre uppers promote airflow and help keep feet cool throughout the working day.
People with diabetes often benefit from footwear that reduces pressure on the feet.
The lightweight design of the V12 Sports range, combined with supple uppers helps reduce overall weight and pressure. This can help minimise rubbing and discomfort while supporting all-day comfort.
Additional features include:
Moisture-wicking linings
Lightweight construction
Wide-fitting safety toecaps
Flexible materials designed for comfort
Together, these features can help reduce common causes of irritation and pressure.
Many anti-static insoles achieve their electrical resistance through a raised line of stitching under the ball of the foot.
For some wearers, this stitching can create irritation, rubbing or discomfort.
Insoles with integrated anti-static properties
Smooth underfoot comfort
Our Dynamic Arch™ insoles incorporate anti-static properties within the material itself rather than relying on raised stitching, helping to reduce irritation while maintaining comfort.
Wet feet are more vulnerable to friction, skin damage and blistering. For people with diabetes, even minor skin damage can take longer to heal and may increase the risk of infection.
Waterproof protection
Breathability in the membrane
Moisture management
The Sympatex waterproof membrane featured in our Lynx range helps keep water out while allowing moisture vapour to escape.
This combination helps maintain a drier, more comfortable environment inside the boot without sacrificing breathability.
Ill-fitting footwear is one of the most common causes of foot irritation.
For people living with diabetes, tight-fitting boots can:
Increase pressure on the skin
Cause rubbing and blistering
Restrict circulation
Increase the risk of foot complications
A wider-fitting safety boot allows the foot to sit naturally and provides more room around important safety features like the toecap.
Because the V12 last is designed to reflect wider European foot shapes as well as narrower Asian foot shapes, it naturally provides a roomier fit.
This can help:
Reduce pinching
Improve comfort
Encourage better fit
Ensure safety features have adequate space to perform correctly
People living with diabetes are often advised to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures because circulation and nerve issues can make temperature regulation more challenging.
Composite toecaps can help because they:
Offer better thermal insulation than steel
Feel less cold in winter and less hot in summer
Are lighter in weight, helping to improve comfort during long working days
If you're choosing safety footwear and have diabetes, look for:
Ergonomic designs
Lightweight construction
Composite toecaps
Moisture-wicking linings
Breathable uppers
High-performing waterproof protection where required
Shock-absorbing insoles
Flexible, supportive and cushioned materials
These features can help reduce friction, improve comfort and support healthier feet throughout the working day.
✔ Soft socks with no-rub seams
✔ Moisture-wicking footwear and insoles
✔ Lightweight, breathable uppers
✔ Wide-fitting safety boots
✔ Breathable waterproof protection where required
✔ Composite rather than steel toecaps
✔ Flexible, comfortable construction
Whether you work in construction, warehousing, manufacturing, logistics or another safety-critical environment, reducing irritation, avoiding excess moisture and ensuring the correct fit can all contribute to healthier feet.
At V12 Footwear, we've invested significant time in developing footwear that prioritises comfort, fit and protection. Many of the features discussed throughout this guide are already incorporated into our product ranges, helping wearers stay safe and comfortable at work.
Safety boots that are lightweight, wide-fitting, breathable and designed to minimise rubbing are often the best choice. Features such as composite toecaps, moisture-wicking linings and flexible uppers can help improve comfort and reduce foot irritation.
Yes. Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to numbness, poor circulation and slower healing. This can increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections and other complications.
Anti-rub socks reduce rubbing against the skin, helping to prevent blisters, irritation and pressure points.
Composite toecaps are lighter and provide better thermal insulation against hot and cold temperatures, which may improve comfort for some wearers.
Breathable footwear helps reduce moisture build-up around the feet. This can lower the risk of skin softening, rubbing, blistering and discomfort.
Interested in learning more about the relationship between foot health and wellbeing? Explore more of our foot health articles and guides.