Detecting diabetic foot complications before they start
STAND is developing a wearable smart sock that continuously monitors the feet to catch the earliest signs of risk and help prevent ulcers before they form.
Diabetic foot syndrome is a major global health challenge
As diabetes becomes more common worldwide, so does one of its most serious complications: diabetic foot syndrome. Nerve damage and poor circulation cause many people with diabetes to lose sensation in their feet — which means small problems can develop into serious ulcers and complications before they are ever noticed.
Early detection makes all the difference. The challenge is that the warning signs — changes in pressure, temperature and humidity at the skin — are invisible day to day. That is the gap STAND is built to close.
A wearable system that monitors foot health continuously
STAND — Sensing Textiles enabled with Advanced Novel materials for Diabetic foot care — is developing a Smart Sock that continuously monitors foot health and flags the earliest signs of risk.
Advanced materials and flexible electronics woven into the sock capture foot pressure, and other clinically relevant indicators of foot health — continuously and comfortably.
Machine learning and explainable data models interpret each reading, translating raw sensor data into clear, meaningful and trustworthy risk signals.
Early warnings support timely intervention by both patients and clinicians, helping to prevent ulcers and complications before they develop.
About the project
STAND is led by Coventry University's Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials and its Research Centre for Arts and Creative Cultures.
The 44-month research project brings together partners from across Europe, including:
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Printed Electronics Ltd (UK)
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Istanbul Technical University (Turkiye)
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Łukasiewicz – Łódzki Instytut Technologiczny (Poland)
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Sensing Tex (Spain)
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Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón (ITA) (Spain)
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Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (Spain)
Wider impact
Beyond patient care, STAND is designed with sustainability and industry leadership in mind. The project uses low-impact materials and design principles to reduce its environmental footprint and improve recyclability.
It also aims to strengthen Europe's leadership in smart textiles and wearable health technologies — opening new opportunities for industry and contributing to more efficient, proactive healthcare systems.
The project is funded by the European Union
Grant agreement No 101296608
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or [name of the granting authority]. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
“STAND is a truly collaborative effort, bringing together expertise from across Europe in materials science, textiles, electronics, human-centred design and clinical research.
By combining these strengths we aim to develop a practical, user-friendly solution that can support earlier detection of diabetic foot complications and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
