Business

World Diabetes Day

Published 16 November 2011

A new diagnostic device that could reduce the number of amputations among people with diabetes is being developed by the University of Brighton in collaboration with the specialist electronics company, GB Electronics (UK).

People with the disease can suffer nerve damage and loss of circulation and, in a small number of cases, this can lead to ulcerations and infections. Every week an estimated 100 people in the UK have a toe, foot, or leg amputated.

To coincide with World Diabetes Day, experts revealed how the new device monitors and tracks levels of sensation in the feet, providing an early-warning of circulation deterioration. Early detection and treatment can lead to better management of the disease and a reduction in amputations.

The design team, from left to right: Dr Tim Katz, principal lecturer, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics; Ian Dixon, quality manager, GB Electronics; Alistair McInnes, senior lecturer, School of Health Professions; Gary Mitchell, University of Brighton KTP associate; Mark Bullen, managing director, GB Electronics.

A joint venture between the University of Brighton and GBE is aimed at bringing the device to market. The project is being part financed through a government Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).

Dr Tim Katz, the lead academic for the KTP programme and a principal lecturer in the university's School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, said: "Our collaboration has burgeoned into more of a partnership, where we are looking after our longer-term mutual benefit."

Alistair McInnes, senior lecturer in the School of Health Professions and a key opinion leader in diabetic foot care, is providing academic support and feedback from clinicians about the new device.

He said the KTP aims get the systems and prototypes in place to conduct a clinical trial: "The development of the new diagnostic device will lead to research publications in the field of diabetes medicine."