Location: United States
When diabetic foot ulcers are left untreated, they can lead to amputations. Podimetrics is a daily-use foot mat that can detect ulcers by measuring heat changes.
Thirty-four million Americans have diabetes; a disease that can have many complications. One of the most common and costly diabetes complications is foot ulcers. If left untreated, they can become infected, which leads to an amputation 20% of the time. This significantly affects the quality of life for the individual. Catching foot ulcers earlier gives patients the best chance of a good outcome and helps healthcare systems with their resources.
Podimetrics developed a solution that can detect diabetic foot ulcers five weeks before clinical presentation. Patients step onto the SmartMat for 20 seconds each day for ongoing monitoring of their foot health. The mat measures temperature and detects hotspots; a sign that a foot ulcer may be developing – 97% of foot ulcers are detected through analysis of the data through machine learning.
If the SmartMat detects a possible ulcer, it alerts the patient’s healthcare provider that care may be required. The startup was founded by a physician and development supported by engineers from MIT. Their vision is to “allow patients with diabetes to lead independent and fulfilling lives.” Early detection of ulcers is an ambition other startups share, Bonbouton is developing smart insoles, and Siren has developed smart socks.
Website: https://www.podimetrics.com/
Email: info@podimetrics.com
Image: Podimetrics