Dermal Thermometry and Self-Care of High Risk Diabetic Patients

• Reduce the risk for lower extremity ulceration and amputation in veterans at high risk for these complications.; Incidence of diabetic foot ulcers over 18 months. Incidence of foot infections over 18 months. Incidence of Charcot fractures.
  

• Improve quality of life. Health Related Quality of Life (change over 18 months)
  

Background:

Foot ulcers remain the most common reason for hospital admission among veterans with diabetes. Healing and preventing these wounds should be a high priority for clinicians treating these high-risk patients. Previous work by the investigators has suggested that diabetic foot ulcers are preceded by inflammation, which can potentially be detected with a thermometer.

Objectives:

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the utility of a novel personal dermal thermometry system to empower patients and caregivers and thereby reduce the risk for lower extremity ulceration and amputation in veterans at high risk for these complications.

Methods:

In this randomized clinical trial, 384 patients are being enrolled and assigned to either standard of care (SC) or SC plus a personal dermal thermometer (DT) to evaluate and log their plantar skin temperatures. All patients are given access to a 24 hour "hot foot line" to call for immediate access to care if they identify a hot spot (DT group) or a site of concern on standard self-evaluation (SC). All patients are assigned a sophisticated computerized activity monitor, which allows investigators access to time and magnitude of activity, downloaded at regular patient visits.

Status:

Project work is complete