A new insole that connects to wearers’ smartphones to warn them of potential damage leading to diabetic foot ulcers has been developed in the UK.
The Smart Insole has been designed by HCi Viocare Technologies and is being specially targeted at people with diabetic neuropathy. The device can be built into a standard shoe or placed as a stand-alone insole. It monitors the pressure and shear experienced by a foot over time and sends the data to a paired smartphone, which can send a warning to take remedial action if required. The information can also be shared with doctors to monitor trends and aid decisions on providing specialist footwear to reduce the risk of ulceration.
HCi Viocare is now looking to work with healthcare providers to distribute this patent-pending system. The insole is expected to retail at under £200 and may be prescribed or reimbursed by healthcare providers to diabetic patients at risk of foot ulcers. More information can be found here and on the HCi Viocare website.
