Diabetes is a global epidemic
Diabetologists stress that just a glance at the statistics is enough to start sounding the alarm. Recent data show that one in 11 adults in the world suffers from diabetes, and in total there are 422 million people. Moreover, the forecasts are not optimistic, since by 2030 this number is expected to increase to 591.9 million – up to 40%. According to the latest data from the Central Statistical Office, there are 3.1 million people diagnosed with diabetes in Poland (almost 8% of the population). What is worse, estimates from the International Diabetes Federation show that this number will exceed 4 million by 2040 (approximately 11% of the country’s population).
Experts also point out that diabetes causes very serious complications, such as heart and circulatory system diseases, kidney disease, high blood pressure and blindness. One of the complications is also called Diabetic Foot Syndrome, which involves infections and even destruction of deep tissue, combined with neurological disorders in the feet. Failure to prevent and/or treat the condition properly can lead to amputation of the toes or the entire foot.
“Diabetes is a huge challenge and a test for the medical and scientific communities. One of the most important areas of activity of Łukasiewicz-ŁIT is lifestyle diseases, their treatment, prevention and prevention. Therefore, in cooperation with the Medical University of Lodz, we have undertaken this project as our contribution to the fight against this dangerous disease. – emphasizes Dr. engineer Renata Żyła, Director of the Institute.
New solutions are needed – Łódź scientists already have them
The project is implemented at the Centre for Footwear, Dyes and Food Materials in Łukasiewicz – ŁIT, and its general director is Dr. engineer Katarzyna Ławińska, Director of the Centre. “Diabetic Foot Syndrome is a very dangerous complication that limits the professional activity of those affected by it and, if treated incorrectly or not diagnosed in time, can lead to amputation. Therefore, the main goal of the project is to reduce the consequences of the disease, i.e. progressive disability and the corresponding forced absence from work, as well as to raise social awareness in this area. says Dr. engineer Ławińska.
In Poland, we have excellent specialists and are able to treat diabetes well. However, diabetic foot is still a big problem for patients and the entire healthcare system. Treatment of this complication is very difficult due to the patient’s sensory disorders, including lack of pain, which lead to the formation of difficult-to-heal wounds. This, in turn, can lead to tissue necrosis and the need for amputation of the toes, foot or even the entire lower limb. Diabetes experts draw attention to the alarming fact that in Poland there are more than 7,000 cases of diabetic amputations per year, and over the past 5 years their number has increased by 2,000. It should be noted that these are the so-called major amputations, i.e. above the ankle – the number of all amputations is approximately 15,000. annually. “The lack of a treatment system for people with Diabetic Foot Syndrome, but above all the lack of specialized market solutions in the form of, for example, suitable therapeutic footwear, means that more than half of these amputations could be avoided” emphasizes Director Ławińska.
As part of the project, the Łukasiewicz-ŁIT team, in cooperation with experts from the Medical University, developed a prototype therapeutic solution in the form of footwear for people diagnosed with Diabetic Foot Syndrome with implemented electromagnetic wound therapy technology, the so-called CoPTheN (Comprehensive Physical Therapy for Neuropathy).”Our shoes use special insoles developed by the design team, in which miniaturized electromagnetic fields and ultrasound emitters have been installed. Thanks to this, it has been possible to achieve the research-proven effect of accelerating wound healing, in particular connective tissue wounds. given by prof. Ph.D. n. med. Ireneusz Majsterek, substantive project manager. “In addition, thanks to the use of this technology, other positive effects include increased blood flow and better circulation and therefore faster regeneration, as well as anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory effects” adds Dr. Robert Gajewski, a podiatrist.
The key element of the entire therapeutic system is a programmable electronic controller. It allows the use of therapy adapted to the patient’s professional activity during daily operation. “The device has a USB-C port commonly used in smartphones, thanks to which we can easily and quickly program the appropriate therapeutic program, including its total duration, duration of individual electromagnetic/ultrasound pulses, their intensity and frequency. The programs can be adapted according to the patient’s needs,” emphasizes the doctor. Mateusz Siwak, the main contractor for the research and development work of the project. Prototypes of therapeutic footwear with the implemented CoPTheN solution were produced in cooperation with a domestic footwear manufacturer.
The solution developed for patients with Diabetic Foot Syndrome meets the requirements of footwear for diabetics
Based on many years of experience, scientists from the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Łódź Institute of Technology have developed recommendations on the use of footwear for people with diabetes. Łukasiewicz – ŁIT has been certifying footwear with the “FOOTWEAR FOR DIABETICS” mark (exclusive right no. R.342861) for many years. It evaluates market products (footwear model(s)) and assigns a grade based on the requirements of the footwear-foot system for people with diabetes, developed within the framework of interdisciplinary research. This means, among others: adequate cushioning of the sole, an interior of the shoe that does not press on the patient’s sensitive foot, seamless or minimally seamed construction to avoid irritation, and modern materials that wick moisture away to the outside, which prevents excessive sweating of the feet and significantly reduces the risk of infection.Our brand is a kind of social informant that provides the customer with information that the product is intended for a specific group of users, based on research conducted and certification by an independent research unit. It also informs about the high and consistent quality of the materials used. In addition, for the buyer it is also a guarantee of the reliability of a particular manufacturer. lists the advantages of Dr. Gajewski’s certification.
Łukasiewicz – ŁIT is currently finalizing the project, but is already thinking about the next steps to effectively commercialize the solution. The first step is to report the invention to the Polish and European Patent Offices. The next step will be to establish cooperation with commercial partners, which will allow the development and introduction of footwear on the Polish and perhaps even European markets. “Łukasiewicz – ŁIT, as one of the few research units in Poland and Europe, has accepted the challenge of creating footwear with an active therapeutic system in the fight against diabetes as a disease of civilization. Thanks to our footwear, we want to enable people with Diabetic Foot Syndrome to live an active life without the risk of amputation. summarizes Director Ławińska.
Publication co-financed by the State Budget within the scope of the program of the Minister of Science and Higher Education called “Science for Society”, project (contract) number NdS/547732/2022/2022, co-financing amount PLN 1,541,073.28, total project value PLN 1,541,073. PLN 28.
