How a Shoe Can Save Your Life | StarTalk: Sports Edition

Can a shoe design save your life? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore how industrial engineering can help save the lives- and feet- of thousands with diabetes with industrial engineer Michael DiTullo and foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Jason Hanft.
What links diabetes, amputations, and sneaker design together? How does diabetes get to the point where a patient needs to get their foot amputated? Learn about circulation, myelin sheaths, and what goes wrong in the nervous system. How do you prevent a patient from needing to get their foot amputated? How common is it?
Discover industrial design and the scientific thought behind everyday objects. Find out how designing Air Jordans can help in designing a medical device. How do you design a sports shoe? How do you design a shoe for an athlete versus someone with a specific disability? We get into the biomechanics of the human leg and how to alter that using a mixture of material science and engineering. We talk about shock absorbing materials and how to dissipate the force of a foot hitting the ground. How has intuitive design changed our lives?
How frequent are diabetes-related foot amputations? How much do amputations cost the healthcare system per year? Could diabetic nerve damage prove deadly? We break down some of the stigma behind diabetes-related nerve damage and how we can get more people to seek help. How do you train a medical device factory to make a sneaker? We go Reebok-retro and discover other features you might want to have on a medical boot. Lastly, are Neil, Chuck, and Gary turning into sneakerheads?
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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
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0:00 - Introduction
2:22 - Diabetes & Amputation
5:41 - Neuropathy
7:32 - Diabetic Ulcers
10:35 - Assistive Technology
12:14 - Brain-Machine Interfaces
14:10 - Industrial Design
16:14 - How Foot Defender Reinvented the Medical Boot
32:03 - Healing
33:44 - Manufacturing
36:06 - Pump-up Shoes
39:01 - Product Accessibility
43:25 - The Cloud Nine
45:16 - Reducing Amputations
47:50 - Closing Notes

[@StarTalk]

Visit footdefender.com for more information on the Foot Defender. Check out www.michaelditullo.com for more of Michael's designs.

[@MarsHalekGuitar]

Perhaps I have something for the panel to take a look at - soft silicone socks. I have sort of a lifelong foot wound problem, epidermolysis bullosa simplex, which brings a risk of blisters with walking more than a little, especially in hot weather and on hard surfaces. It became a bit more of a problem when I inherited a dog who needs two walks a day, compounded by developing some (I think) plantar fasciitis from playing pickleball. So I'm by no means crippled, but I have to watch the effects of my activities (and have given up on pickleball for now). Anyway, looking for cushioning for the fasciitis, I ran across some silicone ankle sleeves that helped pad my plantar with each step. I then looked into obtaining full silicone socks, which turn out to exist, marketed as moisturizing socks. The ones I bought are smooth on the inside, with just a little grippy texture on the outer soles. So I wore those under my socks, with a bit of lotion that reduced friction, plus often cloth ankle sleeves that are more supportive between my sock and shoe throughout August for two 20 - 30 minute dog walks a day,. The lotion also contains allantoin, which some research seems to suggest helps with healing. I wear everything on both feet even though the right doesn't have much fasciitis, so that my gait is symmetrical. I'm pleased to report I did not have a single blister for the entire month and the plantar fasciitis is improving as well (plus, bonus, the moisturizer softens the skin on my soles), whereas in July I tried to get someone to take the dog for me at least once a day and did not feel I was improving, and had numerous small blisters. As it cools down, I've not used the full socks as consistently, and I do have one blister under my middle toe on the right foot. I also use Xero Shoes basic DIY huarache sandals around the house a lot of the time and they have helped me with both conditions. They consist of a shoe string you loop-tie through a thin sole. I did not have any luck when I ordered their somewhat more conventional huarache sandals because of a thin recess at the edge of the soles that pinched my soles by the heel. Even the DIY version could be a little softer and smoother on the insole side. In addition to suggesting the panel look into these items, I'd be glad to be a guinea pig to provide feedback for some of their products and treatments.

[@terrybutler6665]

@@MarsHalekGuitar is your big toe alighted with the side of your foot. and do you walk with one foot in front the other not the duck walk. That is key trainer's off

[@alvaroluffy1]

every time i watch a startalk video i hold the mouse over the video slider to see, with terror, if this is one of the videos where Lord Chuck isnt in, i then, gladly, relieved, sigh in a triumphant way when i see that Lord Chuck's here with us, i refuse to accept the existence of startalk videos where Lord Chuck is not in

[@blackmagician7645]

Right-! We already lost a queen. Don't take lord Chuck away too!😩

[@GothGer11]

Same😝 he makes Star⭐️Talk🗯jus as much as Neil🪐

[@leesadillman4443]

It's synergy. The 2 together are so much more educational & fun than each on their own.😘♥️

[@skinnysmartypants]

Long live Lord Chuck!!

[@thefocks]

W-chuck Wuck

[@mywifecallsmerick9080]

Long-time viewer, first-time commenter. This was the most practical and actionable episode I've ever seen. Your guests on this episode were phenomenal.

[@StarTalk]

Thanks for the feedback :)

[@Reina.Nijinsky]

Despite wearing special “diabetic” shoes for years and staying on top of insulin, my grandma had to have her toes amputated. Editing my comment to add: she was never over weight.

[@CartoonWeasel]

Wearing shoes wont protect you. Keeping your health good will do some good.

[@evrettej]

My daughter is a type 1. I found if she keeps her Blood Glucose at target most of the day she hasn't had any side effects. After all the classes my wife and I have taken we have been told that most of the individuals that have side effects from diabetes it's mostly not having a stable BG. When your not staying ontop of it that's when health complications arise. The best of luck to you and your grandma 🙏🏿

[@superedet96]

Yes the past few versions of the current “diabetic” shoes are not good at all. Which is what they are trying to change by designing this shoe/boot.

[@Reina.Nijinsky]

@@superedet96 I c. Ty

[@superedet96]

@@evrettej have you looked into strengthening her feet? I think it may benefit her by strengthening the tissue and neuro links within the feet.

[@appuss1]

At the rate they are going, I think, one day Chuck is gonna end up a scientist and Neil is gonna end up a comedian.

[@christophermullen3240]

Thank you guys for talking about this. One of my best friends had extreme pain from diabetic neuropathy in his feet for years. He ended up addicted to opioids for pain management until the the crackdown on opioid prescriptions a few years back, and at that point he turned to heroine just to handle the pain. After overdosing twice he eventually couldn't handle it anymore and took his own life. This subject needs more eyes on it.

[@MoahGentle]

reminds me of Kurt Cobain and his story.. I think he had stomach ulcer(s)

[@kaysonburch7451]

After coming across David Sinclair a PhD in biology working at the Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard and learning about the process of aging, it really ticked me off that Jason didn’t directly address the point Neil made about trying to find a cure, instead focusing on treatments. Furthermore when chuck brought up the question about preventative steps we can take, are you trying to tell me that an expert’s advice for prevention is checking your foot and using a glorified scale. Now I obviously know these can help but how can you not bring up any points about diet or exercise. I know the question asked was focused on self diagnostic tools you could use and not lifestyle habits or changes you could take, but as the expert I feel it is your job to shift the conversation towards things such as diet or exercise that we all know have a much greater impact on prevention. Don’t get me wrong I think what Michael and Jason are doing for this disease is great and I have a huge respect for that, but when over half of the video is spent taking about a product that helps treat this and basically nothing talking about prevention, it really makes you wonder about their motives. Just something to think about

[@Sammasambuddha]

Fasting. I personally know three people, my sister being one, Type II Diabetics, insulin injections, the whole deal. 10 years ago I introduced FASTING to them. In less than a year, one reversed his diabetes. The other friend inspired by the changes, adopted Fasting into his lifestyle with excersize and healthy eating, also was recently checked....diabetes free today. My sister though has very poor eating habits, snacking all day, sleep eating (so weird) etc. She can't shake it. Research Fasting. Even if you are healthy, it heals wounds of all types. I'm a professional fitness therapist and 40 year martial arts instructor. I am super fit at 50, because I incorporate Fasting monthly. Heals my torn hammies. Stay great Neil, Chucky babe.

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024

[@adiero]

This was the last thing I expected to find here. After 30 years T1D I am right on the edge foot-wise. This may very well save my feet. Thank you! Keep looking down!

[@LEDewey_MD]

Another great episode about a complicated, heart-breaking and crippling health process related to diabetes.(Still suggesting an episode where you clarify the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes! Suggested it in the comments on your episode entitled, "Hormones on Steroids".) Have to emphasize too that type 2 diabetes is a highly REVERSIBLE disease, (and you certainly want to reverse it BEFORE you get permanent nerve damage), but requires a steep learning curve, a lot of motivation, and a dedicated health professional who has stayed UP TO DATE on the topic, (yes, I'm afraid there are doctors who do not keep up to date), especially regarding the role that "insulin resistance" plays in its physiology. There are many books now available that explain it very well in layperson terms. Just sayin' :)

[@dawnhansen7886]

Thank YOU ❕️ Well said

[@jmatt56]

Hi Dr. Dewey, Absolutely agree with you. Strict lifestyle modification is paramount. Unfortunately, 36+ years of clinical practice tells me it's damned difficult. I've had two patients who've been able to come off meds and stabilise glucose, BP, cholesterol and weight by doing the 'big four '-aerobic exercise, weight loss, low carb diet, low sodium intake. Too easy to throw a pill at a problem . Genetics, big problem. US vs. Mexican Pima cultures (old data). Really stinks, I've missed 2 fractures in diabetic patients that lead to Charcot deformities.

[@richardpelto9099]

My type 2 diabetes has gone away. Metformin dose is much lower.

[@jeffcooke4213]

It would be awesome to see Star Talk devote an entire 50 minute segment on the science behind diabetes. Explaining both types, how to prevent, and how to treat.

[@ddpwe5269]

If you want to easily get rid of Type 2 and manage Type 1 much better, get rid of animal and processed foods. The more whole plant foods you eat, the better your better is able to maintain homeostasis. Research has shown that excess fat and/or excess sugar(as it can be stored at higher amounts) is the reason why type 2 comes on, insulin resistance. The food you eat plays a much larger roll than you think. NOWHERE do they talk about this in ANY modern doctor's office and if they DO, they're a VERY rare breed. Why? Because it literally doesn't make money for them if they make you better(get rid of the ailment), only if they keep you coming back for more 'treatment'. Great place to start is 'Nutrition Facts' here on YT.

[@frogz]

19:04 that Do behave at chuck's joke i just choked on my drink laughing

[@nHans]

Oh yeah. Briefly reminded me of Mike Myers as Austin Powers. 👍

[@lar1588]

The most easily understood Star Talk ever.

[@tracematson385]

it is pretty easily understood but 7-26x your body weight seems completely impossible. I don't know why I'm fixed on that so much but that mean if your 120 pounds you can experience over one and a half-ton of force every time you walk.

[@StarTalk]

We aspire to make information accessible!

[@infinatep1mp737]

Notification goes off...star talk new upload. Made my day!

[@Reina.Nijinsky]

Same👍🏼

[@jmatt56]

Dr. Hamft, You brought up a really good point. Diabetic diabetic amputations have a 50% mortality rate at 1 year. This is similar to hip fractures in elderly people, with a 30% mortality rate at 1 year. Unfortunately, people don't realize that these complications of age, chronic disease have some serious downsides to them.. I think that Niel Degrasse Tyson missed the point there and didn't make a bigger comment about this about this.

[@thomasloomis1116]

I love you guys for having this episode!!! - I have been battling diabetes for a while now, over ten, maybe fifteen years or so. I just got three pairs of shoes fitted by a foot doctor specializing in diabetic care. Pumas though, lol - I’m a tall skinny guy, usually pretty active and it developed after a dental abscess/infection. It’s a real life changer!

[@iitzcamlinz674]

Just asking to be more educated on this. So your saying you developed diabetes after you had a procedure for a mouth infection?

[@MoahGentle]

I’m confused too

[@thomasloomis1116]

@@iitzcamlinz674 no what I’m saying is: I had a tooth infection in my upper jaw and it tipped my immune system causing diabetes - I was already hyperglycemic and had been battling rheumatoid arthritis - my immune system was already in rough shape from all the arthritis drugs, When the tooth infection hit my body my pancreas just quit basically

[@sandeebrooke5623]

Sandee Brooke, Tucson Arizona. Just watched the show about diabetes shoes. I don't have diabetes, but one of my adult sons does. Mazel Tov to you both And the Doctor and engineer who created the amazing Boot ❤️❤️❤️

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Now studying electricity, also with Type ll Diabetes with Peripheral Neuropathy. The thick mylin acts like a strong insulator, or resistor preventing current from traveling from your feet to your brain stem. The numbness comes/goes from all 10 toes and the soals of each foot. It's not walking that makes you sit down (numbness turns to pain after standing for hrs), it's the standing in one spot. The pressure on the feet. It starts at the very tips of your big & next smallest toe. Thought it was the surfer flip flops I wear everywhere here on the coast of SoCal. Jamming between the two front toes. For years. But it was Type ll diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy I had for 3.5 years without Medical Insurance (or blood work) without knowing I had Diabetes for years.

[@ddpwe5269]

Only $250? That's an amazing price for a medical device that seems to have a ton of R&D in it! This will save many lives!

[@evrettej]

My daughter was diagnosed 2 years ago in December. She spent her 8th birthday in the hospital. One day she was fine and the next she got super sick and we had no idea what was going on. Mind you she is not a type 2 she is a type 1 diabetic. Type 2 is just bad eating habits. Changing your eating life style you can get off of it. However she is a type 1 so she will have it for the rest of her life. She is skinny like me and she is a vegetarian. She doesn't like fast food. So it was a total shock to us when we were told. But for everyone out there. Stay on top of it. Managing your blood Glucose will minimize your decline in health and have less health complications. The best of luck to everyone out there.

[@enadegheeghaghe6369]

The cause(s) of Type 2 diabetes are far more complicated than just "bad eating habits" alone. There are many genetic and environmental factors that play a role in causing type 2 diabetes and these are well documented. Also only a small fraction of type 2 diabetics can successfully control their blood glucose with diet alone. And typically the diet only works for a limited amount of time. In my 20 years as a doctor, I have encountered many type 2 diabetics who are not obese and many overwight/obese persons who are not diabetic. Diet is extremely important but the etiology of diabetes is far more complicated than that .

[@yvonneplant9434]

Raymond Loewy, was the greatest industrial designer of the 20th century.

[@danielmierop662]

Thank you guys, this is real and accurate. I’m a type 2 since nineteen ninety six. Like my story, nearly each patients needs are similar but different. I’m a right leg below knee amputee. Amputation cause was diabetes plus other surrounding issues that made my case what it was. You addressed the subject concisely and also with focus. These important facts are real and true. If I may add that a visual representation of the mortality, amputations, eye blindness, and disruption of life. Like a pie chart or single lines representing population. Then just as you did pull the volume of people out to stand next to the first group. My left foot has now its second iteration of a wound that is healing really slow. I have stories and pictures of the whole ordeal. Another show on obesity linked to lack of emotional awareness, mindful methods to resolve issues, classes on ruminating whether in one’s mind or on social media. Oh you guy opened a can of worms with this one. Comfort compulsions,over eating, stress and depression can be route causes that spiral personal health to ………. How about the approximate thirty six food items from America that are not allowed in many other world countries. Love your show. Daniel from New Hampshire.

[@JuanRamirez-fm3gv]

Good talk guys. Really appreciate it!!

[@StarTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tankkali9699]

As a janitor who walks 20 miles a day minimum up and down stairs all day I would love to see a pair of shoes designed to last more than a month or 2 before they fall to pieces or wear big holes in them.

[@jackw9736]

So educational! ❤️

[@denisenj7648]

They need to discuss the role of high blood sugar on destruction of capillaries which impedes circulation which leads to lack of healing on feet bc immune response and antibiotics can't reach the infection.

[@antidulvian666]

Compression socks.

[@joehntr3]

I am a 72yr old diabetic with severe Neuropathy and have basically no feeling in my feet. I am also further immunocompromised because I have severe RA (Rheumatoid arthritis) which is your body's Immune system attacking your body. I have had vein ablation procedures on both legs to improve blood flow to my lower legs, and I wear a $400+ pair of shoes that were custom made from a mold of my feet. This did not keep me from suffering from pressure wounds on both feet. The wounds were caught early (my daughter checks my feet for me) and although they did get bad they never got infected. The increased blood flow helped with the healing process. I know this is an old post but felt compelled to write this because I just lost a friend (someone that I played online games with) to complications from his latest amputation due to wound infection. I seems that after they started cutting things off of his feet he just went downhill from there. I started with his toes on one foot then the other. At the time of his passing he had lost his left leg to a point just below the knee and his right foot just above the ankle. So you can do everything right and still lose the war.

[@ddpwe5269]

Yep, this is why our broken bones in our lower body literally take twice as long to heal, because we weight-bear on them.

[@SooperToober]

Brilliant episode mates. Props to the doc!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Interesting! Type 2 diabetes ran in my family a few generations ago, but not more recently. Thank you, Science for teaching us about diet.

[@cmpoliver3499]

what a GREAT and informative show, thanks! The timing was a bit ironic given that a buddy yesterday lost his leg to the very issues you discussed. One element of your show needed to be stressed... he was not obese at all .. Not all diabetics are obese but all are at risk. in his case his toes turned black and by the time was noticed and treatment started gangrene has started and progressed to where his leg needed amputation. All folks that have Diabetes are at risk. Again you and your guests ... thank you for bringing this to the fore.

[@bitebetsy]

Wow! I am 70 years old, 5' 9" tall, & 162 pounds - so, not in a dangerous profile zone, but - with my Glucose Level at an iffy 100. I walk 3-4+ miles every evening. Not in danger, yet, but, my ability to walk is key to my continued better health. I am very happy to be aware of this technology, and will consider your sneaker as a pro-active purchase to wear at home - especially after walking!? It seems like a value-added opportunity to consider... Great show! Knowledge we all need to know and should share...

[@Angel-dq2yc]

Thank you for today`s show. It was very informative and entertaining at the same time.

[@kwonproductions8404]

Thank you guys for this video, I’m a diabetic and this was a great reminder for me! I’m always here for the space talks & explainers, but this was great! 👍🏼

[@jamiboothe]

This was a stunning show, you all had and demonstrated the ability the ability to be compassionate and insightful on a health issue that even if you don`t have the problem, you will be affected by having a family member, or maybe a friend with the disease. I had no idea that the diabetic wounds were pressure related, and the lack of ability to feel the pain from a wound like that, normal nerve cells can sense. I assumed it was a circulation issue. I love when my assumptions are smashed. 250$ for a shoe like, that seems insanely cheap, but that is part of a Design Engineers job, as well. Cheers and thanks for all the "new to me" knowledge.

[@isamujarman]

Go Michael! Awesome and very important talk

[@brookestephen]

PLEASE talk about the physics and engineering challenges of rotating simulated gravity habitats... Dzhanibekov effect especially! Some say you can pump water quickly around a ring station to offset mass imbalances, before they affect the rotation axis, but I'm not sure there could be enough water or that it could be moved fast enough or stored in large enough tanks to even be possible!

[@brianpatton272]

Hey guys, thank you for this video and bringing this information to everyone. I am a Type 1 diabetic for 24 years now. I have peripheral neuropathy and completely relate to this video. I am currently in a walking boot and have a knee scooter on the way as my doctors and I believe I am at the early stages of Charcot Foot or a degradation of the bones in my foot. So again I just want to say thank you for touching on the subject and providing some really cool information along with it.

[@700clx2]

C'mon guys!!! How many people blew past this video because you didn't use Diabetic or Diabetes in the title!? I'll let it slide this time if you promise to keep up the great work!!

[@xavierjones_xci]

Incredible!!! Amazing episode.

[@diegofernandez4789]

Have to agrere with most of the comments. Great episode guys!

[@Harlemworldboy]

Chuck Nice is hilarious 😂

[@nHans]

Speaking of industrial design, I'm obligated to mention Don Norman's excellent book _The Design of Everyday Things._ I highly recommend it. It's an easy read and a great introduction to the subject. Unfortunately, it still won't help you assemble Ikea furniture.

[@jimrodarmel8512]

About 40 years ago, my best friend was a man who had suffered an ankle injury in a metal-working shop (due to the safety violations of the owner, there was a whole workman's comp cycle about that), and he had a pin and a trick ankle and had to go everywhere on crutches. His case caught the interest of a doctor who developed a new use for a temporary cast device, redesigning and reworking it to work as an orthotic, immobilizing his ankle so the stresses of walking didn't cause his ankle to fail so much, and he was able to achieve much greater mobility. This helped him with his retraining as a counselor and social worker. This was all done free of charge because of the doctor's interest in the case as a research project, else my friend would not have been able to afford treatment, especially since the workman's comp case was at that time unresolved and insurance wasn't paying for anything. I was wondering if there was some reference to this case in the development of the Defender shoe.

[@kentkacs3140]

Excellent episode.

[@StarTalk]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@ADergal96]

Thank you for a wonderful podcast!

[@andagain21]

I'm with Dr Tyson, let's also talk about how we can eradicate type 2 diabetes

[@andrewhowe218]

get rid of sugar

[@ivancito2nd]

Great episode

[@rustywater3219]

Think TDCS (heard about it on NPR) has a chance to repair nerve damage? Getting rid of high fructose corn sugar would be huge, switch back to just sugar.

[@HisameArtwork]

amazing video, thanks for making this!

[@johnduggan4993]

Great show. With the forces on the foot involved, is there a point where walking becomes increasingly painful prior to neuropathy onset, resulting in less exercise and ultimately less control of diabetes? Kind of a vicious cycle? Could something like this help to address?

[@antidulvian666]

I have neuropathy, due more from my degenerative disk disease than my insulin resistance (which is thankfully well managed). I know that the causes are very different, but I lost almost all feeling unilaterally (only my right foot). It took approximately 2 years but it did slowly "wake up". I know that I am extremely lucky. I didn't feel as lucky for the approximately 3 weeks of pins and needles I experienced as it woke.

[@es5544]

Third video and I just love the nerdy dry humor *****

[@bobbyalaskanexplorer6453]

What about those in Fairbanks Alaska where I live, no electric sock at -50/-60 is keeping that foot warm and walking in feet of snow everywhere. Even grocery store parking lot has snow over your toes unless freshly plowed which happens seldom.

[@fabdts]

Best Star Talk!

[@carlosvaladez2186]

Really good episode

[@ednaash5330]

Would you wear on both feet or just the ulcer foot, if only one foot, how to be level with regular shoe on other foot?

[@frankthebaldguy9819]

1) stop eating crap 2) monitor your feet every day 3) if you can’t see your feet: 3a) stop eating crap 3b) start moving around with your body. Any type of motion. 3c) stretch out Start at step 1 and continue the cycle until you can see your feet

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Type ll Dibetic with Peripheral Neuropathy for four years, here. Because of frosted Mini Wheats, constant cases of soda in the downstairs fridge, and high carb snacks (any chip type snack) for my first 27 years of existence. Plus being overweight from 1995 - 2002. Then from 2004 - 2013. Then mildly obese ( only 5'9" 210lbs) from 2013 - mid 2020. But lost 40lbs from March 2021 - Present, now at 5'9" 170lbs with no excersise. Just diet because during 2020 (first lockdown year) l was eating a lot of carbs & sugar because everybody was throwing diet out the window. My blood work came up a 10, and my doctor ripped me a new one. Then, scared shitless about insulin injections and amputation, I lost 40 pounds. Diet's never been better. Sugar's under control (avg 120, or sometimes even 70 -80 before breakfast) Now going for 10 more lbs loss. May need workouts to keep it up. Fine with that.

[@jourdansarpy4935]

When Gary said “Electric socks!” That was by far the most British hes ever sounded on this podcast.

[@tyleranyways]

I think Dr. Mark Hyman would be a great guest on the show!

[@bereldovid8179]

I am Type 2 diabetic with numbness from peripheral neuropathy and my condition has improved with weight loss and exercise (especially kicking in a pool). It can be improved with physical intervention.

[@CartoonWeasel]

Since theres no money in a cure, if you have that type of diabetes, you should just purchase a wheel chair and keep it on hand. If you get a wound you'll be able to stay off it almost 100% of the time, giving it many more chances to heal.

[@toby9999]

There would be money in a cure.

[@miranda.cooper]

I wonder if this would be useful for those of us who have a corrected club foot. I can't work a standing job because of my foot pain and as a person without a degree, that's a hard stable job to find sometimes (at least in my experience of looking for them)

[@danielmadar9938]

Thank you

[@darylbenson9682]

Thank you!

[@samuelpoche-mercedes2352]

genius!

[@stoneysdead689]

The problem with the idea that everyone will just control their blood sugar is that first- you have to get diagnosed. Now what tends to happen is that the patient goes through several months of having sugar issues without really knowing what's going on. Either the issues aren't severe enough to seek help or, they're so random and easily remedied- by just eating something - that they think it's no big deal. But eventually- it gets bad enough and happens often enough they seek help. Now the doctor tells them they know what it is- they have hypoglycemia or diabetes but- to diagnose them they have to pull blood periodically over like 3 months to demonstrate a clear, consistent pattern- then they can legally diagnose you- and finally your insurance will start covering things like test strips and so forth. But by this time the patient is 6 months into the condition and probably worse than they needed to be could you have intervened earlier in a more efficient way. I've been telling doctors for over 2-3 years now that I'm having sugar issues- I have attacks about 1 every 2 days or so- my sugar bottoms out- I turn white as a sheet, start sweating, and I'll pass out if I don't eat something sweet. And every one of them does the same thing- they just tell me to eat every 3 hrs and to avoid sweets or simple carbs- try to eat complex carbs. and plenty of protein. But that's it- they don't tell me what foods have these qualities- they don't tell me I need to test and find out is my sugar only bottoming out- or it also getting too high at times, they don't do anything. I'm not overweight nor have I ever been- I'm 5'11" and weigh 155 pounds. I've always been rather athletic, but I am in my 50s now so that's slowing way, way down- but still, I'm not overweight, I'm in relatively good shape. I smoke- not the best cardio- but otherwise, pretty good. But diabetes runs in my family- on my mother's side, and I have a brother who has it. He's never been obese either- a bit chubby at times, but never obese. I didn't like sweets as a kid or young adult for some reason- so I knew something was wrong when I started craving sweets all the time and they tasted delicious. When you sugar is low, something sweet tastes like a gourmet meal- not just good but perfect. 20 minutes later when your sugar is back up, you're like "This tastes like crap."

[@Darkeiser.7]

The best tool to use as a scale

[@nicholasgardiner9601]

Large fluctuations in blood sugar, or surges and crashes precede the thickening in the myelin sheath which leads to the peripheral neuropathy which leads to the wounds, infections, bone infections and eventual amputations. Would insulin spikes surges and crashes also cause this? Some knowledge and progress has been made understanding and treating gangrene. How far away can we stay from the onset of type 2 in order to avoid, prevent or reverse metabolic syndromes, insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes? What is the optimal approach for a timely detection, avoidance and prevention?

[@peggysmiley1053]

How long have these boots been available? I worked (Home Health Aide) several years ago helping a client get up in the morning, and the client had a boot that looked like this. It was really easy to do, the boot practically wrapped around the foot, and then you pumped it up. Done!

[@Cycnoches2012]

Loved it!!

[@koreyhelms6857]

Ayeee my family is back my grandmother was a diabetic with my mother's mother she had to have both legs amputated but she was born in 1918 and she passed away in 2012 my grandfather her husband my mother's father lived a long time as well is retired out of the military he was born and 1913 he passed away in 2006 I really enjoyed your podcast and of course Chuck Nice and all of your other guests are always intriguing and very knowledgeable my elderly mother that I also take care of she has diabetes and she also had a carpal tunnel bone fusion surgery on the wrist and I saw a knee replacement she is still do everything and I'm driving myself and all those things and working her garden and everything but it makes it hard for her to stand for long periods of time I believe the doctor that did her surgery did a bad job she also has scar tissue in there and it didn't heal properly but like I tell her and myself and my wife has nothing that we cannot do as long as we believe in ourselves because Kent is not a word it is only the left or the know-how of the will to do so whatever we do in life always remember keep looking up

[@MelzFootballEditz]

Great episode 👍 always love when a new vid is uploaded ☄️⭐️🪐

[@blackmagician7645]

29:50 So basically. Gary asked Michael, how did you fix the ice problem? 😂

[@stephenpugh3507]

I have alcoholic neuropathy 24 years, same symptoms as diabetic neuropathy extremely painful, not overweight non smoker just moderate drinker. Diagnosed in 1999 at 39

[@1971jwing]

Great topic- would stimulating pain in the form of electrotherapy help mitigate declines in sensation in extremities? Great health to all.

[@mars4748]

What about gravity boots for seniors or injured, for a little levitated assistance?

[@nigeljordan]

Very interesting discussion

[@notthemessiah9243]

Insulin blockers. Insulin causes a lot of disruption in then body so if it’s possible to block it and remove blood sugar with a synthetic alternative it may be less harmful

[@lucygibson5664]

Do you use standard lasts, or do you fit the shoe to each individual foot? Older people, especially, have more mis-shapen feet, so if you use standard lasts, you're more likely to have pressure points on their feet.

[@richardpelto9099]

Excellent

[@MECKENICALROBOT]

Noooo let me live with you Neil!!! I will design all of the things 🤩

[@JibacoaGuy]

I was 270 lbs.. Obviously very obese! I recently lost 50 lbs. And am a healthier 220 lbs. But now have started to notice a slight tingle in my left foot when I lay down. I had blood work done a few months ago and all was good. Dr. Google says it is either Diabetes, MS, Lou Gehrig disease or a herniated disc. I do have a herniated disc and given the alternatives, I really hope that is the cause.

[@KodaLeck]

Could these be used for club feet as well

[@PyscoNaturalist]

As a British person. Let me just say, almost nobody here knows or has heard of Gary Orielly. I only found out about him through your channel.

[@ranonampangom2185]

This guy played in the 80s, that's why.

[@PyscoNaturalist]

@@ranonampangom2185 I know players who played in the 80s though. Never heard anyone mention this guy until I came here.

[@LarryAllenTonar]

Does this shoe make you "plod" -- walk with short steps, a rigid

[@donnahaynes8766]

It sounds like this would have been much more comfortable and protective of my broken ankle once i got out of the cast/splint and into that clunky boot.

[@DemonFox369]

A lot of people buy shoes that are too tight because of the way shoes are made. They’re not foot shaped and aren’t built custom to your foot

[@chrome98]

You must also consider that usability cannot interfere with normal daily activity. I am a diabetic and I also have partial lower extremity paralysis as well as foot-drop due to a spinal injury. I wear diabetic shoes but I could not wear these because there is no way I could operate a motor vehicle with this huge thing on my foot. This means these would end up unused in the closet. Something you expressed concern about.

[@michaeltedder8345]

Shame on u neil for not including Gary's name in the title given that he's literally giving the first topic🤣🤣🤣

[@anftrew3775]

I have arthritis in the fronts of my feet. I've been searching for years for footwear that takes pressure off the front of the foot.

[@nancyeding4924]

Is that shoe available anywhere yet?

[@satz5964]

In addition to the reduction of injuries caused indirectly by diabetes, I would rather try preventing diabetes in the first place. Less sugar more movement.

[@LocalFiveGuy]

How do I get the Cloud Nine shoe?

[@3_up_moon]

How does one with peripheral neuropathy get hold of these things?

[@DustInTheWindAZ]

I'm interested in this product. I just heard that it's in 3 sizes: Small, Medium and Large. I wear a 13. Will it fit me? How much does it cost and will Medicare cover it? That AND the "slippers"?

[@DustInTheWindAZ]

$250.00 EACH or for a pair?

[@kdzmuzo]

great episode as always! Dr. Tyson at times looks like he's still upset about the Big Bang deniers from a previous video

[@rachellight1186]

I could use him to create a shoe for me that helps with my flatfoot situation that would be less likely to wear out too fast. Every type I've tried so far wear out to fast.

[@moonrabbit2334]

try a habit of lifting your feets higher rather than dragging it. I always have this bad habit of dragging footwears while walking and my parents used to correct me everytime

[@rachellight1186]

@@moonrabbit2334 i have scoliosis and flat feet. I have no arch in my foot. Which causes my shoes to wear out fast cause I can't walk normal plus back pain.

[@drumstickerphil]

Eye raising! 😀