The Shoepod Diabetic could prevent tens of thousands of foot amputations a year, according to its developer. The insert, which uses smart fabric technology from a New Zealand company, Zephyr, constantly monitors the temperature across the foot, stores that data, analyzes it for certain patterns and can transmit it wirelessly. By monitoring changes in temperature, the Shoepod should be able to pick up the early warning signs of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, which effects sensation in the limbs. The big problem with this disorder: If people incur an injury to their foot, they might not feel pain, and an ulcer can develop. If left untreated, an infection can develop, spread, and eventually require amputation. Trials are starting in the US soon.—Gregory Mone
Via The Engineer
The Shoepod Diabetic could prevent tens of thousands of foot amputations a year, according to its developer. The insert, which uses smart fabric technology from a New Zealand company, Zephyr, constantly monitors the temperature across the foot, stores that data, analyzes it for certain patterns and can transmit it wirelessly. By monitoring changes in temperature, the Shoepod should be able to pick up the early warning signs of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, which effects sensation in the limbs. The big problem with this disorder: If people incur an injury to their foot, they might not feel pain, and an ulcer can develop. If left untreated, an infection can develop, spread, and eventually require amputation. Trials are starting in the US soon.—Gregory Mone
Diabetic neuropathy (loss of sensation to the feet) is certainly a major contributor to the formation of ulcers and in many cases loss of limb.
Although I am a big proponent of technology in medicine I do have some reservations here. There are just too many variables in walking that will affect temperature changes.
Posted by: Dr. Marc Mitnick | January 14, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Diabetic ShoePod is a development of the company's pressure-measuring insoles and smart-fabric "bio-harness" that gather data on the likes of heart beat, breathing rate and temperature.
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