Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or improper insulin use. Persistent high glucose levels can lead to severe complications, including diabetic foot syndrome, where nerve and blood vessel damage cause numbness, tingling, and reduced sensation, making injuries like cuts or blisters go unnoticed. These unnoticed wounds can become infected, potentially leading to gangrene and, in extreme cases, amputation.
Preventing and managing diabetic foot syndrome requires early diagnosis and effective treatment protocols, which are often lacking, especially at the primary care level. This tool, developed by the start-up Clinicgram in collaboration with the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), utilizes thermographic imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect the risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
The project aims to provide healthcare professionals with a quick, non-invasive method to identify patients at high risk. The AI algorithm analyzes patient data, including thermographic foot images, disease history, and comorbidities, to assess the likelihood of neuropathy and vascular complications.
Currently in its development phase, the tool hopes to integrate into primary healthcare settings soon. Its ease of use involves inputting patient data and capturing thermographic images via a smartphone. The app delivers an initial diagnostic approximation in just five minutes, significantly faster than traditional methods, which can take over an hour. Although it doesn’t replace definitive diagnostic tests, the app provides essential preliminary screening that helps prioritize patients for further evaluation.
The innovation represents a significant step forward in managing diabetic foot complications, which affect millions of people in Spain. By promoting early detection and preventive care, this tool not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also has the potential to reduce healthcare costs significantly. The project is a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in preventive care, especially in aging populations with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Article written by Verónica Serrano
10/06/2024
Source:
Con Salud
https://www.consalud.es/saludigital/tecnologia-sanitaria/aplicacion-ia-imagen-termografica-prevenir-patologias-pie-diabetico_144460_102.html