Electronic socks "end" the torment of foot ulcers for diabetics

A team of researchers has unveiled high-tech socks that monitor how people walk with the aim of reducing the risk of foot and toe amputation due to diabetes.

Researchers say that the electronic sock, developed at Chonnam National University Hospital in South Korea, contains a sensor that detects whether patients are putting too much pressure on parts of the foot that are at risk of developing ulcers (a complication of diabetes), which may turn into infected wounds and gangrene.

The research team explained that high blood sugar levels may lead to damage to blood vessels and nerves, including those in the feet. It is estimated that approximately 15% of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lives.

The team revealed that the bottom of the sock contains an ECG sensor, which can measure blood flow anywhere in the body, by tracking the strength of heart contractions.

Experts said that diabetics put more pressure on the metatarsal area, with less pressure on the heel. This innovation could help teach patients how to change their gait to relieve pressure on the part of the foot that is prone to ulcers.

Previous research has shown that walking retraining can help improve blood flow and nerve function in the feet of diabetic patients.

The results of the trial were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.