Innovative Footwear Design for Diabetic Patients with Sensor-Enabled Absorption

Diabetic neuropathy patients are highly susceptible to foot ulcers, often caused by improper footwear. Poor diabetic foot care can lead to severe complications, including the amputation of toes, feet, or even the lower leg. This project aims to design specialized diabetic ulcer footwear to support patients with foot ulcers, helping them maintain normal activities while preventing infections and alleviating discomfort. The proposed solution involves the development of diabetic ulcer footwear designed for maximum comfort and protection. The shoe features a cushioned insole with no pressure points and includes a single-use absorbent pad made of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). This pad efficiently absorbs blood, while a built-in wet sensor detects excessive moisture and triggers a buzzer alert, prompting the user to replace the pad when it reaches capacity. By integrating these features, the footwear helps prevent ulcer progression and enhances patient mobility. The prototype was successfully tested on dry and wet conditions of sensitive pad and results recorded from microcontroller, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing diabetic foot ulcers. Real-Time plantar pressure data collected from a sensitive pad with embedded sensors placed at key areas of the foot and results discussed in results section.