My name is Brian and I'm one of the 36 million diabetics living in the United States.
The Night That Changed Everything
Approximately four years ago, a very scary event forever altered my life. One winter evening as I was sitting in my kitchen, I noticed a strange burning smell. When I realized that the oven wasn't on, I began to look around the room for other possible reasons. I was startled to find that the space heater I was using to keep my feet warm had been severely burning both of my legs — and I wasn't even aware of it.
"I was startled to find that the space heater had been severely burning both of my legs. I wasn't even aware of it. How could that even be possible?"
We rushed to the hospital where I was diagnosed with Diabetic Neuropathy. I was told that due to poor blood circulation, most of the feeling in my legs was gone. The physician quickly made it clear that the only way to keep me from losing a toe, a foot, or even a leg was through a healthy diet and exercise. I realized the true seriousness of my situation when I heard that every day, 200 diabetics will lose a limb from amputation. That was enough to scare me into action.
The Discovery
Over the next several weeks I researched as much as I could, seeking ways to increase blood flow. One of the discoveries I came across really had me intrigued: Pneumatic Compression Boots. These boots, through specifically designed inflation chambers, had the ability to force the blood in your legs up towards the heart — which massively increases blood flow. That was the solution.
However, the next thing I discovered was the problem. They cost $2,400 and insurance wouldn't cover them. In addition, they were basically built and marketed toward Olympic or pro-level athletes for recovery purposes. And I discovered that no one had even marketed them to diabetics as a solution for poor blood circulation.
The Moment I Knew
Not too long after this discovery I was having dinner with a friend and the topic of recovery boots surfaced. My friend was an Ironman competitor and told me that he had used these boots often. He offered them to me to try — and I was immediately hooked.
A short time later I was gifted a pair of compression boots from my two sons, who both worked at a medical device company. I began a regimen of using them 45 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes in the evening. It wasn't long before I noticed how refreshed my legs felt and, more importantly, that I was having increasing blood flow throughout my legs. These boots have literally been life-giving to me.
"These boots have literally been life-giving to me."
Why I Built BETICS
I came to the realization that I needed and wanted to share this important discovery with other diabetics around the U.S. My goal is to provide quality Pneumatic Compression Boots at a very affordable price. My thought was that this would be the way I could help provide other diabetics like myself with some relief and, hopefully, a way to better health.
Just one diabetic with a desire to help others around the world.
— Brian, Founder of BETICS