Location: United States
Continuous temperature and pressure sensing helps to prevent complications from diabetes.
A diabetic foot ulcer can occur in up to 1 in 10 people with diabetes. If they progress, it can lead to serious complications potentially leading to toe or foot amputations. Good control of diabetes and good foot care is essential to prevent ulcers from occurring. Bonbouton has developed a product that can now help with foot monitoring.
Their specialised insoles use patented graphene technology embedded into the insole. The graphene sensors allow detection of small changes in temperature and pressure – Temperature changes can be detected within 0.25 °C. Significant changes can indicate that an ulcer is starting to form. The data is transmitted to a smartphone app where the user is automatically alerted if an ulcer is starting to form. There is also an option to inform carers and healthcare providers so treatment can be started promptly.
The insoles come in four sizes, can be shaped to exact fit and used in most types of footwear. There’s a layer of foam for comfort and each insole lasts for four months. The insoles are due to launch soon and have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of those with diabetes.