Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41721720›Full record

SynthesisDiabetes/metabolism research and reviews2026

Diabetic Socks: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Commercially Available Products.

Prabhuraj D Venkatraman, Giorgio Orlando, Peter R Culmer, Rory P Turnbull, Katherine Bradbury, Irantzu Yoldi, Jenny Corser, David A Russell, Andrew J M Boulton, Neil D Reeves

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Prabhuraj D VenkatramanManchester Fashion Institute, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
Giorgio OrlandoDepartment of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
Peter R CulmerSchool of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Rory P TurnbullSchool of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Katherine BradburySchool of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Irantzu YoldiDepartment of Allied and Public Health, School of Health Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK.
Jenny CorserSchool of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
David A RussellLeeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Andrew J M BoultonDiabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
Neil D ReevesMedical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.

Funding

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council EP/X001059/2
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimsIn recent years, various diabetic socks have been developed and introduced to help prevent diabetes related foot ulcers (DFUs). However, the question of which type of sock is most suitable for individuals with diabetes has not been adequately addressed. This review systematically explores the current evidence regarding the performance and structural properties of diabetic socks, along with a narrative analysis of commercial socks.

methodsFour databases, including Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Google Scholar, were examined, resulting in the selection of nine articles. Methodological quality of the clinical trials was assessed using the Downs and Black tool. Additionally, 17 commercially available socks were selected for analysis.

resultsAmong the selected articles, four were clinical trials, two mixed-design studies, and three laboratory-based investigations. The clinical studies exhibited poor quality and were unable to demonstrate significant outcomes. Laboratory-based studies indicated that functional finishes on yarns could prevent microbial growth and that the blend of fibres and the structure of the socks significantly affect the overall performance. Commercially available socks reporting new types of fibres lack clinical evidence to support their claims, complicating the understanding of their performance in people with diabetes.

conclusionsCurrent evidence regarding the structure and function of diabetic socks is limited, with clinical trials characterised by poor methodological quality. Technical suggestions for diabetic sock design are based on limited evidence from laboratory-based studies, highlighting gaps in the literature. This review highlights the need for further investigation to establish the evidence base for diabetic socks in supporting diabetic foot care.

Indexed as

ClothingDiabetic FootHumansdiabetic foot ulcerdiabetic neuropathyfootwearknitted fabric and diabetic socks

Identifiers

PMID41721720
PMCPMC12924646

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.