CompletedObservational

Smart technology for diabetic foot monitoring

This study is using smart socks to help people with Type 2 diabetes keep their feet healthy. Diabetes can sometimes damage nerves in the feet, leading to problems like ulcers. Currently, it's hard to measure the rubbing and pressure on a diabetic foot, which can cause these ulcers. This study wants to test new custom socks that can measure these forces while you walk. The goal is to see if these socks can tell the difference between people with and without nerve damage in their feet, helping to identify those at higher risk. By understanding these forces better, the researchers hope to develop new ways to prevent serious foot problems in the future. You can take part if you have Type 2 diabetes, are over 18, and can walk on your own.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Lancaster University

Enrolment target

Start

16 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2025

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

What is this study about?

This study is about finding new ways to protect the feet of people with Type 2 diabetes. Many people with diabetes can develop nerve damage in their feet. This damage can make it harder to feel injuries or pressure points, which can lead to open sores called foot ulcers. These ulcers are serious and can sometimes even lead to amputations.

Currently, it's difficult to accurately measure the pressure and rubbing forces on the bottom of a person's foot as they walk. These forces are a major cause of foot ulcers. This research aims to test a new method using special socks that are designed to measure these forces. The main idea is to see if these smart socks can help doctors tell the difference between people with diabetes who have nerve damage and those who don't.

By carefully studying these measurements, the researchers hope to learn more about what causes these damaging foot pressures. This knowledge could then be used to create better tools and methods to prevent foot ulcers from developing in the first place, helping people with diabetes keep their feet healthy and active for longer.

Key takeaways

This study uses smart socks to measure foot pressure in people with Type 2 diabetes.
It aims to prevent foot ulcers by identifying high-risk areas earlier.
Participation involves one visit to a lab in Manchester.
There are no direct personal health benefits from joining.
You must be over 18, have Type 2 diabetes, and be able to walk independently.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are an adult over 18 years old and have Type 2 diabetes. It's important that you can walk on your own for at least 50 metres, which is about the length of half a football pitch.

The study is looking for people with Type 2 diabetes, both those who have lost some feeling in their feet due to nerve damage and those who haven't. You should also have at least one pulse point in your foot.

However, you can't take part if you currently have an open foot ulcer or a specific foot condition called Charcot deformity. Also, if you've had a significant foot or leg amputation (more than just two smaller toes) or if swelling in your leg or foot prevents you from wearing a sock properly, you won't be able to join. Finally, you need to be able to understand information in English.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have Type 2 diabetes?
Am I over 18 years old?
Can I walk on my own for at least 50 metres?
Do I currently have an open foot ulcer (an open sore on my foot)?
Have I had an amputation of more than two toes or a larger part of my leg/foot?
Can I understand information in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to visit the lab at Manchester Metropolitan University for just one day. During this visit, you'll wear special custom socks and walk on a treadmill for short periods, both with and without your shoes on. The researchers will also check your foot sensation, ask about your medical history, and look at how you walk. You'll also be asked to share your thoughts on how comfortable the socks feel during the study. There are no follow-up visits or medication involved; everything will be completed on that single day.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits from taking part in this study, but your contribution will help researchers develop better ways to prevent serious foot problems for people with diabetes in the future. There's a small chance you might feel some discomfort or rubbing on your foot while walking in the custom socks, but the researchers will closely monitor this and try to minimise any issues. Remember, you are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Lancaster Medical School
City only
Lancaster, England
Manchester Metropolitan University
Approximate
Manchester, England
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, England
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Ashton-under-lyne, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to test new smart socks that can measure pressure on your feet while walking, hoping to prevent foot ulcers in people with diabetes.

Do I need to have nerve damage in my feet to join?

No, the study is looking for people with Type 2 diabetes both with and without nerve damage in their feet.

How long will I need to be at the lab?

You will only need to visit the lab for one day to complete all the study activities.

Will I get any money for taking part?

The study information doesn't mention payment for parking or any other expenses.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by Lancaster University and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in the UK.

How to find out more

Neil Reeves

n.d.reeves1@lancaster.ac.uk +44 1524522239 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.