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Is being bare foot safe when swimming?

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puttkins2002

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, I have had diabetes since I was 16 and am now 53. I would like to start swimming to improve my fitness but haven't been for a long time and had my big toe amputated 3 years ago as I had recurring foot ulcers which appeared after small trauma such as my shoe rubbing.
I have been fine since the toe was amputated and have shoes made for me at the hospital so they do not rub. I am told not to go bare foot but would like to go to the swimming pool. I cannot wear any shoes other than what has been made for me. Would it be safe for me to go bare foot at the pool? TIA
 
Hi Puttkins2002
welcome to the forum :)

personally i would not risk it.
I would wear flip flops or a very light canvas type trainer or ask at the hospital if they can recommend suitable footwear for the pool( or make something ? ).
I never go barefoot anywhere -- one of the rules of being diabetic for me !
 
Thankyou for the welcome himtoo and the reply! Yes I agree it's not worth the risk. I will ask the hospital if they are able to make me some beach type shoes. Thanks!
 
Good suggestion by himtoo, flip flops would be ideal.
 
If your blood sugar is higher than it should be then the risk of infection is higher so this is one factor to be considered. It sounds like your blood supply to the foot may have become compromised over the years? I would wear some protection.
 
puttkins2002 said:
Hi, I have had diabetes since I was 16 and am now 53. I would like to start swimming to improve my fitness but haven't been for a long time and had my big toe amputated 3 years ago as I had recurring foot ulcers which appeared after small trauma such as my shoe rubbing.
I have been fine since the toe was amputated and have shoes made for me at the hospital so they do not rub. I am told not to go bare foot but would like to go to the swimming pool. I cannot wear any shoes other than what has been made for me. Would it be safe for me to go bare foot at the pool? TIA
Click to expand...
'Fashy' swim shoes are available at Amazon , they are specially made for the poolside and swimming and will protect your feet from picking up verrucas and other infections. Order one size larger for a snug fit
 
I love being barefoot but like others am now being cautious with having T2 -- if I go barefoot now, especially outdoors - including swimming - I always wear a pair of fivefingers

I can, and have, trodden by mistake on smashed glass but even though thesole is thin (2mm) it is incredibly durable & tough
 
The only thing with fivefingers -- don't wear them if you're shy :)

I have, inadvertantly, 'freaked out' quite a lot of people due to wearing them :D:D:D
 
Hi Puttkins2002,

Around the pool or on the beach, you could try Gumbies Aqua Shoes. They offer good foot protection, don't rub & aren't expensive. If you find it awkward swimming with the Gumbies on, try a latex Aqua sock too. Both are easily available via Amazon. Hope that helps.
Ali. X
 
I would also be very careful about how long you stay in the water - I've heard Dr Bernstein speak about how vulnerable water logged (that "pruney" look) skin is for diabetics. I think his suggestion is to use a barrier type of cream on the skin before immersion.
 
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