Review on Wearables to Monitor Foot Temperature in Diabetic Patients

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Diabetology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Diabetic foot disease is a major complication of diabetes, potentially leading to amputation.
• Early detection of pre-ulceration phases is crucial for preventing severe outcomes.
• Increased foot skin temperature is a potential indicator of developing diabetic foot problems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review wearable devices and sensors for vital data collection, specifically focusing on foot temperature measurement.
• To identify devices developed in Spain for monitoring foot temperature in diabetic patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of wearable technologies.
• Focus on sensors measuring foot temperature.
• Inclusion criteria: devices developed in Spain.

Main Results:

• A growing number of wearable devices and sensors are available for vital data collection.
• Several devices specifically measure foot temperature, a key indicator for diabetic foot.
• A subset of these temperature-monitoring wearables has been developed in Spain.

Conclusions:

• Wearable technology shows promise for early detection of diabetic foot complications.
• Spanish innovation in medical wearables can contribute to managing diabetic foot disease.
• Further research into specific Spanish-developed foot temperature sensors is warranted.