Diabetes has become one of the most serious diseases of affluence in the 21st century, affecting millions of people worldwide. This problem constitutes a great challenge for healthcare systems and the fight against this disease requires new, effective solutions and strategies. The researchers from Łukasiewicz – Łódź Institute of Technology – come to the rescue as they have developed innovative therapeutic footwear for patients struggling with the so-called Diabetic Foot Syndrome.
A team of researchers from the Centre for Footwear Materials, Coloured and Food Products at Łukasiewicz – ŁIT, in collaboration with the Medical University of Łódź, has created a prototype shoe that uses advanced technology to improve the wound healing process for people suffering from diabetes.
Thanks to using specialised insoles with mounted electromagnetic field and ultrasound emitters, the footwear can accelerate tissue regeneration, improve blood circulation, and have an anti-edema and anti-inflammatory effect.
The most important component of the entire therapy system is an electronic controller, which can be programmed. It allows tailoring the therapy to a patient’s daily activities.
Diabetic Foot Syndrome is a very serious complication that can significantly limit the ability of patients to work. If it is not properly treated or diagnosed early, it can even lead to the need to amputate the limb. Therefore, the main aim of the project is to reduce the impact of this disease, as well as to raise public awareness of it.
Researchers from Łukasiewicz – ŁIT are planning following steps to commercialise this solution, including filing the invention with the Polish and European Patent Office. However, they are primarily interested in establishing cooperation with business partners.
Our experts, based on years of experience, have also developed footwear guidelines for people with diabetes. The institute certifies footwear for the “Footwear for diabetics” label, assessing products in terms of meeting requirements such as adequate cushioning, no pressure on the foot, a minimum number of seams, and using moisture-wicking materials to reduce the risk of infection.
The work is being carried out as part of the “Active therapeutic footwear dedicated to patients with Diabetic Foot Syndrome” project. It received funding from the state budget under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education’s “Science for Society” programme.
