Device to reduce instances of diabetes-related amputation

A device similar to bathroom scales could stem the tide of patients who lose their limbs as a result of diabetes, researchers have said.

Experts have developed a diagnostic device which can spot diabetes-related complications in the feet early on. The researchers, from London South Bank University (LSBU), said 100 people in Britain alone lose a limb every week as a result of diabetes complications.

The new device could see problems spotted sooner, meaning that patients will not have to undergo the agony of amputation.

The diagnostic tool, the peripheral sensory neuropathy test (PerSeNT), scans the foot to look at major skin breaches and, using “pressure mapping”, detects the loss of sensation associated with ulceration. The results can be sent to a GP at the touch of a button.

The creators hope the device will be rolled out in pharmacies and care homes as well as GP surgeries to reduce the need for trained clinicians to spend time testing for the condition that can lead to ulceration and possibly limb amputation.

Dr Michelle Spruce of LSBU, said: “With costs of treating diabetes set to reach £17bn by 2035, this new piece of equipment could have significant cost savings for the NHS.

“Its use in care homes will also eliminate the need for patients to travel to their clinic or GP. The earlier that peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed, the lower the chance of developing serious complications later on.

“This affordable piece of equipment will have a dramatic effect on the quality of life of many diabetes and obesity sufferers, as well as economic benefit to health providers worldwide.”