A new study from Khalifa University researchers 草莓视频 how smart wearable devices using advanced sensors and AI could revolutionize diabetic footcare by predicting and preventing ulceration before they lead to amputation
How AI wearables could prevent diabetic foot ulcers – listen now!
Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health crises worldwide. Complications affecting the lower limbs are among the most devastating, including the diabetic foot 鈥� a condition that often leads to ulceration, infection and, in severe cases, amputation. Globally, over 85 percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations are linked to diabetic foot ulcers, with recurrence rates reaching 65 percent within five years.听
A research team from the Rehabilitation Lab, part of the Health Engineering Innovation Group at the Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology Department (Doua Kosaji, Dr. Mohammad Awad, Rateb Katmah, Dr. Herbert Jelinek, Dr. Maria De Fatima Fonseca Domingues and Dr. Kinda Khalaf), with Dr. Mohamed Baguneid (Chief of Vascular Surgery) and Dr. Abeer Alanazi from Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, published a systematic review in the focusing on combining current state-of-the-art sensing modalities with novel actuation technology for prevention and real-time management of the diabetic foot. Specifically, the paper examines how advanced sensors, smart materials, and artificial intelligence can be integrated into wearable devices to continuously monitor risk factors and听 implement preventative and management solutions.
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鈥淗arnessing smart sensing modalities capable of capturing diverse complications associated with the DF requires multidisciplinary exploration of both the physical/mechanical and physiological/clinical parameters influencing foot health, as well as computational technologies and AI capabilities for synergistically and simultaneously monitoring, classifying and predicting all the key variables鈥�
鈥� Dr. Kinda Khalaf, Khalifa University.
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The team focused on quantifying both mechanical stresses, such as plantar pressure and shear forces, as well as physiological wound healing parameters, including temperature, humidity, microcirculation and skin pH. These metrics can reveal early warning signs of ulcer development: a rise of just 1.2C in foot temperature may precede ulcer formation by several days, while increased shear stress can cause tissue microtrauma invisible to the patient due to nerve damage.听
Recent technological advances include shoe insoles with sensors that track pressure distribution, smart socks that measure temperature and humidity, and integrated systems capable of sending alerts to patients and clinicians via mobile apps. Some devices even incorporate therapeutic features like red-light therapy or temperature regulation to actively support healing.听
The team also 草莓视频 how AI can analyze data from these wearables to improve prediction models, and how 3D printing allows for custom insole designs tailored to each patient鈥檚 unique pressure profile. The combination of real-time monitoring, patient-specific intervention, and remote telemedicine capabilities could transform diabetic foot care from reactive wound treatment to proactive prevention.听
Jade Sterling
Science Writer听
