Siren Diabetic Socks (Siren). Elevated temperature in the lower extremity can be an indicator of inflammation and a precursor to diabetic foot ulcers. Patients can now wear socks that can serve as a warning for the complications of diabetes.
Alexander Reyzelman, DPM, notes Siren Socks have temperature sensors embedded into the fabric of the sock and can detect fluctuations in skin temperature while the patient is walking.
“We may be able to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and catch these injuries before they occur,” says Dr. Reyzelman, an Associate Professor at the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University and the Co-Director of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Center for Limb Preservation.
Dr. Reyzelman believes Siren Socks may be the first wearable product of their kind. He says patients can wear the socks all day and the socks’ technology sends the patient’s smartphone a notification of any temperature increase of more than 4º. Dr. Reyzelman notes this alerts the patient of an elevation of temperature and possible development of a tissue injury.
As the manufacturer Siren notes, Siren Socks use Neurofabric to detect temperature changes between the feet that are a sign of possible foot ulcers. The company says Neurofabric is the first textile that weaves microsensors directly and nearly invisibly into the fabric.
Siren cites evidence that monitoring plantar temperature can prevent up to 87.5 percent of foot ulcers in comparison to therapies like therapeutic footwear or regular foot exams. The company adds that the socks can be a tool to help patients with diabetic neuropathy prevent foot injuries before they occur.
