Summary
The StarTalk Sports Edition podcast episode titled "How a Shoe Can Save Your Life" discusses the connection between diabetes and sports injuries. The hosts are joined by Dr. Jason Hanft, a foot and ankle surgeon, and Michael Ditullo, an industrial designer. They discuss how fluctuations in blood sugar can lead to peripheral neuropathy and loss of feeling in the hands and feet, which can lead to small wounds that, if left untreated, can become infected and lead to amputations. Prevention is key, and self-diagnostic tools such as a foot mirror or temperature sensing maps can be helpful. However, there is no cure for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and billions of dollars have been spent on research without success.
Dr. Jason and Michael Ditullo discuss their collaboration on a protective boot for people with diabetes who have foot ulcers. The boot is designed to alleviate pressure on the foot so that the wound can heal, be easy to put on and take off, and look fashionable. The boot has a slight negative two-millimeter heel drop and a flat bottom to prevent pressure on the balls of the feet. The design also incorporates a viscoelastic polyurethane material called "Absorbium" to reduce impact force by up to 90%. The design took seven years and 39 iterations to develop, and the team used a variety of materials, including those found in the footwear industry, to create a new material that would provide maximum impact attenuation.
The Foot Defender is another medical device discussed in the podcast that is designed to reduce pressure on the feet of patients with diabetes and prevent amputations. The device has a unique pump system that fills gaps in the shoe for a custom fit and reduces pressure on the front of the foot. The device is available for purchase in the United States and is being shipped to other countries. The team behind the Foot Defender has learned many lessons in building a patient-centric medical device and has applied these lessons to new products. The device is priced at around $250 and is approved for reimbursement by insurance.
Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration in solving pressing global issues. The hosts congratulate Dr. Jason and Michael Ditullo for their work in designing affordable and effective shoes that can prevent amputations in people with diabetes. Their work combines design and science to create shoes that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Foot Defender has the potential to significantly reduce the number of amputations in the US, which is currently at around 130,000 each year.
