A team of researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) has recently developed a revolutionary shoe insole technology that has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. This groundbreaking advancement is crucial as it targets one of the primary causes of foot ulcers in diabetic patients.
Diabetic foot ulcers are a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes, impacting around 39 million individuals in the United States. These ulcers occur due to damage to the small blood vessels that supply blood to the nerves, resulting in poor circulation and foot sores. If left untreated, they can lead to hospitalization and lower extremity amputations. In the United States alone, over 160,000 lower extremity amputations are performed annually due to complications from diabetic foot ulcers, resulting in approximately $30 billion in healthcare costs each year.
Lead researcher Muthu B.J. Wijesundara highlighted the innovative nature of their insole technology, aimed at preventing diabetic foot ulcers by relieving repetitive stress on the foot during walking. This is achieved through a pressure-alternating mechanism that cyclically relieves pressure from different areas of the foot, providing crucial periods of rest to the soft tissues and improving blood flow. By maintaining the health of the skin and tissues, the technology seeks to reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers.
While numerous shoe insoles have been developed in the past to mitigate foot ulcers, their success rates have been relatively low. However, this new pressure-alternating insole offers a promising approach to addressing this issue, showing potential in making a real difference in the lives of individuals at risk of diabetic foot ulcers.
The research team’s findings were published in the esteemed International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds and were well-received. Following their successful pilot project, the team is focused on further refining the technology to ensure its accessibility for users with varying weights and shoe sizes. This includes plans to explore potential collaborations with industry partners to bring the technology to the market.
This research project was made possible through a grant of $229,480 from the National Institute of Aging of the National Institutes of Health, grant number 7R21AG061471. The support from this grant has been invaluable in advancing the development of this innovative insole technology.
The potential impact of this new technology on the lives of millions cannot be overstated. By addressing a critical and prevalent issue in diabetic care, the researchers at UTARI are offering hope to individuals at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers. It is a significant step forward in the quest for effective preventive measures, and it has the potential to alleviate both the physical and financial burden associated with diabetic foot ulcers.