An early detection system for foot ulceration in diabetic patients

Abstract

Ulcer formation and proliferation in diabetic patients is a result of said patients' inability to sense the precursors of wound development in the extremities. This loss of a sensation is a result of peripheral neuropathy which is a complication of diabetes. This article presents the research, design, and testing protocol of a device intended to act as an early detection system for foot ulcer formation. The device monitors high-risk areas on the soles of the feet for symptoms indicating ulceration. Pressure and temperature sensors placed at the targeted high risk areas of an insole are used in conjunction with a data acquisition system to read the necessary data from the soles of patients' feet. Pressure values were taken from the big toe, the ball of plantar, and the heel of a 75 kg healthy male while the subject was standing and walking. The data gathered indicates areas of the plantar that experience the most localized pressure and therefore are at the highest risk for ulceration.