Modified cotton socks--possibility to protect from diabetic foot infection.

Diabetes has become a major public health problem and grows rapidly in the most developed countries of the world. Beside genetic and environmental factors, lifestyle habits play an important role in the development and progression of diabetes mellitus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 15% of diabetic patients develop a foot ulcer in need of medical care. Infection is a serious complication and it is the major responsible cause of lower limb amputation. In this paper the possibility to protect from diabetic foot infection with modified cotton socks. Therefore, the socks made of modified cotton yarn by natural minerals and active carbon were investigated in vitro (fabric hand-friction and adsorption) and in vivo (3 IDDM, 4NIDDM, 3 GDM to sweat and fabric hand) to accomplish highest possible level of comfort for diabetic patients. Antimicrobial protection to Gram positive, Gram negative and micro fungi was determined as well. For durability all the characteristics were investigated after 15 washing cycles.