Footwear solutions for diabetic foot issues
Jeongbin Ok from the University’s Te Kura Hoahoa—School of Design Innovation, has developed specialised and customisable footwear to address diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a common and serious complication among individuals with type 2 diabetes.
“The footwear is personalised using 3D scanning and printing, considering pre-existing ulcers, calluses, and foot structure,” explains Ok. “Clinical data, body mass, and daily activities are used to identify high-risk areas for added protection, building on our smart polymer formulations. Sensors measure pressure and sheer forces across the foot, ensuring accurate offloading without interference.”
The entire process, from scanning to 3D-printed production, is completed in a single day, making custom footwear affordable and accessible.
“Real-time and long-term data on gait and pressure patterns allows for early detection of DFUs, significantly improving both diagnosis and prevention. Extensive lab tests have validated the sensors accuracy and the footwear’s practicality in real-world settings.”
This solution greatly enhances the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare for DFU sufferers.
DFUs can lead to reduced mobility, infections, hospitalisation, amputations, and even death. Although morbidity associated with this condition is preventable, recent research indicates a concerning rise in the risk of diabetic individuals developing foot ulcers, leading to serious health complications. Foot ulcers are mainly caused by ongoing uneven pressure on the feet.
“Our research found that current approaches to DFU care have critical limitations. Data collected from podiatrists, clinicians, and patients found issues with preventative care, monitoring, communication, and limited access to effective treatment options.”
Challenges such as limited healthcare resources, low patient engagement and trust, and restricted access to medical devices and care have driven healthcare costs in New Zealand to over $2 billion annually—most of which is spent on complications related to ulcers.
Given that DFUs have greater impact on young, minority, and indigenous populations, Mr Ok’s team includes Māori and Pacific clinical advisors to facilitate equitable, cultural, and empathetic care, for greater patient wellbeing.
Mr Ok developed in partnership with Peke Waihanga—New Zealand Artificial Limb Service. The project has secured external funding from Te Titoki Mataora (MedTech Research Network), the New Zealand Product Accelerator, and KiwiNet.
With the support of Wellington UniVentures, the team is establishing a platform for research mobilisation, including nationwide commercial service and penetration of key international markets (Australian, the EU, and the US).