High-tech socks that monitor how people walk could reduce the risk of foot and toe amputations due to diabetes.
The electronic sock contains a sensor that detects whether patients are putting too much pressure on parts of the foot that are at risk of ulcers forming, the researchers say.
These ulcers, a complication of diabetes, can become infected wounds that become gangrenous. Chronic wounds are one of the reasons why around 40 people undergo partial or full foot amputations each week in England.
Patients identified by socks as vulnerable to developing an ulcer could be taught to change their walking style to relieve pressure on that part of the foot. Around five million people in the UK have diabetes; 90 percent of them are type 2, where blood sugar levels are high because the body does not produce enough insulin (which helps “remove” sugar from the blood), or the insulin does not work properly.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
A person with diabetes injecting insulin (file image). High-tech socks that monitor how people walk could reduce the risk of foot and toe amputations due to diabetes
Meanwhile, about 10 percent have type 1 diabetes, caused by the immune system’s attack on the pancreas, which produces insulin.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, including those in your feet.
Lack of sensation means that patients may have small scratches that they do not notice, which can quickly turn into ulcers due to the lack of oxygen-rich blood to the area.
It is estimated that up to 15 percent of patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point.
Sewn into the bottom of the new sock is a ballistocardiogram sensor, which can measure blood flow anywhere in the body by tracking the force of the heart’s contractions.
In a new trial, patients will wear socks, developed at Chonnam National University Hospital in South Korea, while walking on a treadmill for a few minutes. The sensor collects data on how well blood flows in the forefoot.
People with diabetes are more at risk of ulcers if they put too much pressure on this part (known as the metatarsal area) than on the heel, because the soft tissue in this area is more prone to damage due to poor circulation related to diabetes. . The extra pressure restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of ulcers.
A doctor checking blood sugar levels (file image). Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, including those in your feet. Lack of sensation means patients may have small scratches that they do not notice
Researchers presented findings from a trial at a European Society of Cardiology conference earlier this month, showing how readings from 20 patients who had diabetes compared to those from 20 healthy people. The diabetes group put more pressure on the metatarsal area, with less pressure on the heel, probably because nerve damage here means they are less likely to realize they are overusing this part of the foot, the experts said. .
Previous research has shown that retraining gait can help improve blood flow and nerve function in the feet of people with diabetes.
Dr Paul Jenkins, consultant endocrinologist at the London Endocrine Centre, said: “Diabetic foot ulcers are notoriously difficult to heal and often require prolonged hospital admission.
“This sock could be useful in identifying people at risk before the ulcer actually starts, and would allow for more patient education about changes that modify risk, including different walking patterns and footwear.”