Instrumented Footwear for Diabetic Foot Monitoring: Foot Sole Temperature Measurement

Abstract

Diabetes is a huge and growing problem, the costs to society are high and increasing, as well as affecting in a considerable way, the quality of life of diabetic patients. One of the main complications of diabetes is the high probability of developing some kind of neuropathic ulceration, particularly of the feet. Among the most common methods for early detection of ulceration, is without a doubt, the continuous temperature monitoring on the bottom foot area. The goal of this research is the early detection of ulcers development in subjects with diabetes. A device with four temperature sensors was designed to continuously monitor the foot temperature and reduce the likelihood of amputations. Tests were performed using the device in 35 subjects with diabetes, we observed temperature variations on the different plantar regions studied here. We concluded that continuous, independent and simultaneous monitoring is critical, as it can provide preventative information for possible ulceration development.