A Real Time Foot Pressure Measurement for Early Detection of Ulcer Formation in Diabetics Patients Using Labview.

Abstract: Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the major complications caused due to Diabetes Mellitus. Elevation of blood sugar level above normal conditions causes several vascular problems (constriction of blood vessels) which lead to improper circulation of blood to the feet. This leads to gangrene formation and loss of sensation in the patient's foot. Majority of the diabetics ignore this problem, which ultimately leads to lower leg amputation. Our project aims to identify the patients who are likely to develop diabetic foot ulcers at an early stage. We accomplish this by fixing pressure sensors in six pressure points of the foot. The foot pressure readings are converted into corresponding voltage output by the sensor. These voltage readings are amplified using an amplification unit. The voltage data are read using a data acquisition device which is connected to a personal computer. We use LabVIEW for analyzing the voltage readings in a graphical format. The peak voltage reading indicates that the patient might be prone to develop a foot ulcer in that particular area of the foot. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]