Thermal imaging technology predicts diabetic foot ulcers

Currently, the NHS spends approximately £1.5bn per year on diabetic foot ulcers that for 10–20 per cent of cases leads to amputations.

Founded in 2023, NPL spinout Thermology Health said that prior to the development of a foot ulcer, skin temperature is elevated at potential ulceration sites. However, current diagnostic tools only test a small part of the feet, take time and can be subjective.

The NPL spinout’s technology thermally scans feet and captures and compares tens of thousands of biometric temperature data points. It then analyses this data instantly to predict and identify potential ulcer sites without any clinical staff needing to be present.

New analysis conducted by Health Tech Enterprise found that Thermology Health’s technology for screening and detecting diabetic foot ulcers could save the NHS £200m a year over five years and prevent 25,000 amputations over the same period.

Over the next seven years the number of people with diabetes worldwide is set to grow by over 100 million, affecting 640 million people by 2030. Estimates indicate that 15-25 percent of people with diabetes are at high risk for ulcerations. Foot ulcers are one of the main complications of diabetes, which is one of the top three chronic diseases worldwide. 

In a statement, Thermology Health CEO, Yuval Yashiv, said: “It has been proven that there is the potential for over 60 per cent reduction in ulcerations by using temperature as an early-warning indicator. Thermology Health Health’s technology relies on ultra-accurate temperature readings and AI analytics and will allow patients to scan their feet at home, with a report automatically sent to their clinician. This frequent remote monitoring will prevent ulceration and amputations. Currently accurate monitoring at home is needed by one million high-risk patients in the UK and 100 million worldwide. 

“We always knew that this technology has the potential to make a very material impact, both financially and for improved patient outcome. However, these studies quantify this impact and it’s astonishing to see the magnitude of the impact that it can have on the NHS and abroad.”