Project summary
Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of all types of diabetes. Ill-fitting footwear rubbing against the foot can increase the risk of a foot ulcer developing. Dr Petra Jones wants to test the existing guidelines for good fitting footwear for people living with diabetes, to make sure they're getting the best possible advice to protect their foot health.
Background to research
Diabetic foot ulcers are patches of broken skin on the foot that are slow to heal due to the damage caused to nerves and blood vessels in the feet by high blood sugars. Sometimes they can become infected, which, in a small number of cases, results in amputation.
Diabetic foot ulcers can develop from a blister caused by badly fitting shoes, and research suggests that over 75% of people may be wearing footwear that is not right for them. But the different guidelines on what makes a good fitting shoe are inconsistent.
Research aims
Dr Petra Jones will invite 60 people with diabetes and foot nerve damage to have the nerve damage in their feet assessed, as well as their general health. Then, while wearing shoes they wear most often, the participants will have the level of pressure on their feet measured. Using this information, alongside measurements of their footwear and feet, Dr Jones will assess if the footwear is correctly fitting, to find out which guidelines are most helpful.
Potential benefit to people with diabetes
One in four people with diabetes will experience a foot ulcer in their lifetime. And as many as 20% of foot ulcers develop from rubbing of poor fitting shoes. Dr Jones’ research will help to establish a new standard for what defines good fitting footwear and help protect the feet of people living with diabetes.
