The new high-tech electronic socks that can help prevent foot ulcers in diabetes patients

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 where there is a risk of ulcers, researchers say.

These ulcers – a complication of diabetes – can turn into infected wounds that become gangrenous. Chronic wounds are one of the reasons why around 40 people in England undergo partial or total foot amputation every week.

Patients identified by the socks as vulnerable to developing an ulcer can then be taught to change their walking style to reduce pressure on that part of the foot. About five million people in Britain have diabetes – 90 percent of these are type 2, where blood sugar levels are high because the body either does not produce enough insulin (which helps ‘clear’ sugar from the blood), or the insulin is not working not good.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Meanwhile, about 10 percent have type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the immune system attacking the pancreas, which produces insulin.

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, including those in the feet.

The lack of sensation means that patients can develop small abrasions that they don’t notice, which can quickly develop into ulcers due to the lack of oxygenated blood in the area.

It is estimated that up to 15 percent of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lives.

Sewn into the bottom of the new sock is a ballistocardiogram sensor, which can measure blood flow anywhere in the body by monitoring the force of the heart’s contractions.

In a new trial, patients will wear the socks, developed at Chonnam National University Hospital in South Korea, while walking on a treadmill for a few minutes. The sensor collects data about how well blood flows in the front of the foot.

People with diabetes are at greater risk of ulcers if they put too much pressure on this part – known as the metatarsal bone – than on the heel, because the soft tissue in this area is more susceptible to damage from poor circulation associated with diabetes. The extra pressure restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of ulcers.

A doctor checking blood sugar levels (stock image). Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, including those in the feet. The lack of sensation means that patients may develop small abrasions that they do not notice

Researchers presented findings from a trial at a European Society of Cardiology conference earlier this month, which showed how measurements from 20 patients with diabetes compared to those from 20 healthy people. The diabetes group put greater pressure on the metatarsal bone, with less pressure on the heel – probably because nerve damage here means they are less likely to be aware that they are overusing this part of the foot, experts said.

Previous research has shown that walking training 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 long-term hospital admission.

‘This sock could be useful in identifying those at risk before the ulcer actually starts, and would allow for more patient education on risk-modifying changes, including different walking patterns and footwear.’