Innovative & technologically advanced diabetic socks to become a blessing to prevent foot ulcers

Advancements in technology have been proved as a blessing for diabetic patients as socks equipped with micro-sensors can convey a lot of information regarding conditions of legs. Diabetic patients are unable to feel injuries taking place on their feet and these injuries can lead to serious conditions such as amputation and ulcers. So, market players have been raising funds to develop diabetic socks that can show early signs and necessary steps can be taken to prevent those injuries from leading to serious conditions. Researchers have been conducting various activities that would lead to early detection and impact lives by keeping feet of diabetic patients healthy. The demand for diabetic socks would increase in the coming years. According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the diabetic socks market is expected to reach $435.4 million by 2026. Research activities and innovative products launches have been gaining traction across the world.

As diabetic neuropathy leads to nerve damage, which lessens the sensation in injured areas, the detection of injuries becomes vital to prevent inflammation, ulcers, other conditions. Medical device developer companies have been raising funding to impact lives of patients with diabetic neuropathy in a positive manner. Siren, one of the medical device companies, raised $11.8 million for expansion of its smart fabric technology. The funding round was led by Anathem Ventures, along with contribution from current investors DCM, 500 Startups, Khosla Ventures, and Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund. The funding will be used to cater the increased demand for the product and roll out cellular connectivity that enables patients to utilize the product with the help of an electric plug and without any need for smartphone or WiFi setup.

Siren launched its first product in the market with a smart sock that detects early signs of inflammation in feet of patients with diabetic neuropathy and transmits signals to a device that has been connected wirelessly. Diabetic patients needed to visit doctors in their clinics to check the rise in temperature levels and detect if there are signs of developing foot ulcer. With the launch of socks, the early detection and intervention was possible. With remote monitoring possible, patients can gain flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

In addition to the development of innovative, technologically-advanced socks, researchers have been conducting various studies. A research team of students from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) in Israel developed a washable, pressure sensing sock that can aid diabetic patients in detection of foot ulcers. The research team joined hands with Sagi Frishman and Dr. David Morgenstern from Hadassah Medical Center along with members of the Hebrew University BioDesign group to develop SenseGO. These socks are equipped with pressure sensors and connected to smartphones. With incorrect postures or anatomical deformation of feet, these socks can sense the changes in pressure. These changes are recorded as electrical signals and transmitted to the smartphone app.  The electrical signals give signs of ulcer development. Then patients can take necessary steps to prevent the development of ulcers. These socks offer ease in tracking and reduce healthcare costs dramatically.  

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