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Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.

Contact Information:

Prof Neil Reeves
+44 1524522239
n.d.reeves1@lancaster.ac.uk


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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Smart technology for diabetic foot monitoring
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Smart technology for diabetic foot monitoring

Not Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Adult

Manchester Ashton-under-lyne Manchester Lancaster

Medical Conditions

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, leading to loss of sensation and increased risk of foot ulcers and amputations due to high pressure and rubbing forces (shear stress). Currently, there's no reliable way to measure shear stress in diabetic patients. This study aims to test a new method using custom socks to measure shear stress during walking in people with and without diabetic nerve damage, to see if it can differentiate between them and identify factors affecting shear stress.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

01 Aug 2025 01 Oct 2025

Participants will visit the lab for one day and walk on a treadmill while wearing custom socks, with and without shoes, for short periods. Foot sensation, medical history, and walking patterns will be assessed. Participants will also provide feedback on the comfort of the socks.


1. Adults with type 2 diabetes, with or without loss of sensation in their feet, who can walk independently.
​​2. Patients without diabetic peripheral neuropathy - Absence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
3. ​Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy ​
4. Capable of walking independently (>50 metres)
5. Aged over 18 years
6. Presence of at least one pedal pulse

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. Active foot ulcer 2. Presence of Charcot deformity 3. Lower limb amputation (anything more than amputation of two lesser toes) 4. Presence of edema to the extent that it prevents normal wear of a sock 5. Persons unable to understand verbal and written information in English will be excluded from the study.


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
    Cobbett House Oxford Road
    Manchester
    M13 9WL
  • Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
    Tameside General Hospital Fountain Street
    Ashton-under-lyne
    OL6 9RW
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
    All Saints Grosvenor Square
    Manchester
    M15 6BH
  • Lancaster Medical School
    Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medicine Lancaster University
    Lancaster
    LA1 4YW

There are no direct benefits, but the study will help develop better ways to prevent foot ulcers in diabetic patients. There's a small risk of discomfort or rubbing during walking, which will be minimized and monitored.

Prof Neil Reeves
+44 1524522239
n.d.reeves1@lancaster.ac.uk



The study is sponsored by Lancaster University and funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.




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What will you do next?
Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN55615054

Or CPMS 62619

Last updated 15 July 2025

This page is to help you find out about a research study and if you may be able to take part

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