Early Detection of Diabetic Foot Ulcers through Wearable Shoe Design

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is categorized as a chronic metabolic disease where blood glucose levels are abnormal. Diabetic foot ulcer is a complication often associated with this disease. Diabetes foot ulcer is also commonly known as diabetes foot pain. It is a type of foot damage medical condition that progresses from diabetes mellitus. According to scientific data, almost 15% of diabetes patients may develop diabetes foot ulcer in their lifetime [1]. A foot ulcer is an open wound that commonly found under the feet, it can be a shallow open wound on the surface of the skin (less severe) or it can be a deep wound which exposes bones, tendons and joints [2]. However, if early prevention is carried out, diabetes patients might be able to avoid problems from diabetes foot ulcer. Thus, in this study, a wearable shoe prototype for early detection of foot ulcers is proposed to be used in home. The developed device will be associated with temperature sensor, vibration motor and pressure sensor. This device enables diabetes patients to carry out evaluation on their foot in daily life. With this device, early symptoms of foot ulcer can be detected and the seriousness of foot ulcer can be monitored.