The lives of diabetes sufferers could be saved thanks to a pioneering ‘smart sock’ developed in Nottingham.
The electronic socks contain sensors which monitor foot temperature and alert medics through an app if someone is at risk of diabetic ulcers, which can prove fatal.
The early warning system, developed at Nottingham Trent University, could ensure people get treatment sooner and avoid life-threatening complications and amputations.
These foot ulcers need treating as quickly as possible
Professor Tilak Dias, who lead the research, said: “It’s essential that diabetic foot ulcers are identified and treated as quickly as possible before they increasingly damage a person’s health.
“By combining electronic sensors with fibres in a yarn, we’re able to spot the first signs of ulcers remotely.
“This gives an advanced warning of when they occur and will potentially help sufferers avoid the development of a very serious condition.”
People with diabetes can have reduced feeling in their feet and can be prone to frequent and often severe problems with a high risk of infection, gangrene and amputation.
A temperature difference between the two feet is potentially a sign of an ulcer forming.
The ‘Siren Smart Sock System’ works by measuring temperature with sensors that are less than an third of a millimetre long, and was developed alongside US company Siren Care.
Enclosed in water-resistant resin pods, they are built into the yarns of the socks and are too tiny to be felt by the wearer.
monitoring can prevent diabetic foot ulcers BY up to 72 per cent
Chief executive of Siren Care, Ran Ma, said: “Foot ulcers are especially dangerous to diabetics due to the nerve damage and circulation problems that diabetics often suffer from.
“Not only are diabetics unable to feel when they have damaged their feet, this damage can become severe due to the inability of the wound to heal, leading to a limb lost to diabetes every 30 seconds around the world.
“Clinical trials have shown that temperature monitoring can prevent diabetic foot ulcers by up to 72 per cent.”
It’s like you’re wearing an ordinary pair of socks
Researcher Pasindu Lugoda, who developed the temperature sensor technology as part of his PhD, said: “What’s special about our design is that the socks are fully washable and wearable.
“For all intents and purposes, it’s like you’re wearing an ordinary pair of socks.
“But in actual fact you’re wearing a sophisticated piece of technology which is monitoring your health and relaying live information to your doctor.”
