How New Technology Is Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Amputations
Published June 5, 2025 by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), this article highlights how the VA partnered with Podimetrics to roll out the **SmartMat®**, a temperature-sensing floor mat designed to detect diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) risk before wounds appear—aiming to reduce amputation and improve veteran health.
Key Highlights:
- Veteran Impact: Jesse Lee, a USA Navy veteran exposed to Agent Orange and managing Type 2 diabetes, received a SmartMat® from the VA. The simple 30‑second foot scan helps identify early “hotspots” (≥2.2 °C difference sustained for two days) that predict ulcer formation.
- Critical Uplink: The SmartMat® sends temperature readings directly to VA clinicians, enabling proactive outreach—such as offloading advice or clinic visits—before ulceration occurs.
- Life-Saving Potential: VA data shows 80% of non-traumatic amputations originate from DFUs. The five-year mortality rate post-first ulcer is ~43–70%. Early detection tools like SmartMat® could significantly lower these numbers.
- Partnership and Innovation: Podimetrics CEO Dr. Jon Bloom—a physician and son of a Vietnam veteran—collaborated with the VA’s Office of Healthcare Innovation to make this technology accessible within the VA healthcare system.
- Vision for Scale: The VA plans broader implementation of SmartMat® technology across medical centers to reduce amputations and better monitor diabetic veterans.
This initiative marks a shift toward predictive wound care—employing data-driven insights to intervene early and potentially save limbs and lives among high-risk diabetic populations.
Keywords:
SmartMat,
Podimetrics,
Jesse Lee,
Dr. Jon Bloom,
temperature monitoring,
diabetic foot ulcer,
early intervention
Read the full article on DAV.org
🔬 Spotlight: Temperature Monitoring and Predictive Tools for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention
Emerging technologies are revolutionizing diabetic foot care by predicting wounds before they form. These platforms offer continuous, passive monitoring and early alerts—shifting the paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
- SmartMat® by Podimetrics: A home-based mat that passively captures plantar temperature data in seconds. Consistent temperature asymmetries (≥2.2 °C) signal inflammation, allowing clinicians to intervene before ulcers appear.
- Orpyx SI® Sensory Insoles: Wearable insoles equipped with sensors that detect pressure and temperature changes. Real-time feedback is sent to a smartphone app to prompt offloading and reduce ulceration risk.
- Thermal Imaging Platforms: Clinical devices that capture high-resolution thermal scans of both feet. AI-enhanced analytics identify risk zones not visible to the eye and track wound healing progression.
- Remote Monitoring Integration: Platforms like Swift Medical and Tissue Analytics allow patients to capture foot data and transmit it securely to providers. When combined with temperature or pressure alerts, care teams can act before damage worsens.
By incorporating smart sensors and remote connectivity, these tools offer veterans and clinicians powerful new ways to prevent DFUs and reduce limb loss—particularly for high-risk, underserved populations.