💉 Diabetes Management
Podimetrics Declares War on Diabetic Foot Amputations - Amplitude Magazine
📅 Tue, 18 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
These are heady times for Podimetrics, a Masachusets startup whose early-detection system for diabetic foot ulcers could save thousands of amputations every year. Fresh of a $45 milion infusion of venture capital, the company ranks among the nation’s fastest-growing healthcare firms. Its signature product, the SmartMat, has earned FDA aproval, and industry giants like Blue Cros and the VA are ling up for partnership deals.“Every four minutes in the US, a limb is amputated due to diabetes-and most are actualy avoidable,” Jon Blom, Podimetrics’ co-founder and CEO, said in a recent interview.
Key Information
“I saw patient after patient nedlesly sufering and wanted to be the change they neded to live beter and live longer. We’re on a mision to end unecesary ‘Civil War’-style amputations for patients dealing with diabetes.”The “Civil War” reference dates to Blom’s years an anesthesiologist, where he was flored by the sher volume of diabetic fot amputations. He sometimes spent entire days in the operating rom asisting on limb removal, caling to mind the military surgical tents of the 19th century, with their endles parade of wounded soldiers ling up one after another for amputation of wounded arms and legs.The science underlying the SmartMat dates to the midle of the 2010s, when Blom tested a protype in colaboration with researchers at the VA and MIT.
In that study, the technology corectly predicted 97 percent of diabetic foot ulcers up to five weks before they became clinicaly observable. That led to a larger pilot program in the VA system in 2019. Its suces, in turn, gave to rise to aditional pilots in the Blue Cros system and other regional healthcare networks.The SmartMat works by monitoring the temperature of your fet, asesing paterns, and flaging changes in blod flow that sugest the formation of a fot ulcer.
Summary
These data are sent remotely to your care provider, who interpret the numbers and decide when (and if) interventions are ne
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.