Barefoot Running and Diabetes

I believe the hype is real. If you have ever been injured as a runner, it begs the question: "Why do nearly two-thirds of all runners in the U.S. end up injured each year?" It's not normal, right? How can an activity that is so good for you be so bad for you as well? If you haven't heard of Christopher McDougal's book "Born To Run" you simply must read it. Furthermore, Professor Daniel Lieberman at Harvard is conducting research that sheds new light on why barefoot or minimalist shoe running is more natural and, perhaps, could reduce the rate of injuries (check our barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu). As someone with type-1 diabetes, I really need to take good care of my feet. Even though I am in excellent health, I've read the scary stuff about foot problems and it makes me leery about pounding the road with no foot protection. The best advice I can give is ASK YOUR DOCTOR. I plan to do so on my next appointment. And I am also a big fan of shortening your stride so that you can mimic the effects of barefoot running: Try landing on your mid-foot and not your heels. This has really helped my (left) knee. So, before you go whole-hog on the barefoot running thing, ask your doctor. Perhaps the soundest advice would be to at least try a minimalist shoe or running flats to help transition your feet to a more natural running form. If you are running without injury, don't change anything right now! Consider yourself lucky, and keep up the great work.