The smart sock that detects one of the most serious complications of diabetes

We're sharing the report published in Gaceta de Salud about this research. An AI analyzes the data provided by this garment and detects the signals

More than 5 million adults live with diabetes in SpainAccording to data from the Spanish Diabetes Society (SED), approximately 4% of patients will develop diabetic foot, a serious complication of this disease that occurs when high blood sugar levels are present. sugar These conditions damage the nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels (vasculopathy) of the lower extremities. The main consequences are loss of sensation and poor circulation, leading to ulcers and serious infections. They are more common in men and people over 65. Therefore, the Technological Institute of Aragon (ITA) and the Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon) are working on a new technology for earlier detection, and this innovation is currently in development. a knitted sockBut it's not just any old one; it's one with sensors integrated into the fabric.

The main innovation is that these detectors are not only on the sole but also on the back to continuously measure pressure and temperature, explain their creators.Artificial intelligence (AI) analyzes this data and detects early signs of diabetic foot syndrome."With the aim of reducing the incidence of ulcers and other complications from alterations in these parameters that can lead to the development of lesions," explain Carlos González and Rocío Aznar, both researchers at the ITA, in an interview for elEconomista.es.

The ITA and the IIS Aragón are part of the European project STAND (Sensing Textiles enabled with Advanced Novel Materials for Diabetic Footcare), an initiative funded by the European Union which aims to develop a new generation of smart textiles to improve the early detection and prevention of complications associated with this syndrome. Coordinated by Coventry University (UK), the project brings together for almost four years a multidisciplinary consortium of European entities specializing in advanced materials, flexible electronics, textile technologies, data analytics and digital health.

It all begins with a conventional textile yarn, to which advanced materials are attached using various techniques. It's coated with conductive elements and sensors, transforming it into a material sensitive to pressure, temperature, and humidity. Furthermore, the ITA researchers explain that the project includes usability tests with user groups to evaluate design aspects such as comfort, texture, and so on. Thanks to flexible electronics, this smart sock bends and stretches instead of being mounted on rigid plates, allowing it to be integrated into a textile and adapt to the shape of the foot. "This is what unites the different application areas of the project," they explain. The sensorized materials capture pressure, temperature, and humidity; the flexible electronics collect and transmit this data without compromising the sock's comfort; and AI interprets it to detect the risk of diabetic foot in time.", summary.

Diabetic foot, a "very complex" pathology

This is a key advance in diabetic foot care, a "very complex" condition, explains Gabriel C. Inaraja, a researcher at the IIS Aragón's Vascular Pathology Group: "We do know that sustained increases in pressure on unprepared areas and sustained increases in humidity are very important risk factors for developing skin lesions." As the doctor points out, Anticipating this syndrome allows for the modification of two very important factors through the use of insoles and changes in footwear habits.But it also makes the patient aware of their illness and indirectly improves other aspects as well (exercise, diet, etc.).

Although this technology is promising, it is still in the development and validation phase. Once a functional prototype of the sock is available, it will be tested on both diabetic and healthy patients. Looking ahead, it could also be used for other conditions. “Since the development of advanced, sensorized, and wearable materials is one of the project's cornerstones, the range of applications depends primarily on the specific needs of each case: the same technology—textiles that measure pressure, temperature, or humidity and integrate flexible electronics and AI—can be used in a variety of applications.” adapt to generate new productsThe AI ​​model would need to be designed and adapted to the new pathologies under study based on the relevant data collected. Diabetic foot is the challenge we are currently addressing, but What we have developed is, in reality, a portable monitoring platform with potential in other areas of health, a new class of systems w health monitoring"They conclude from the ITA."

Source: Health Gazette