DETECTION OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCER AND PAIN RELEIF USING IR LED

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a common condition in people where the blood glucose level is higher than the recommended level. It occurs either due to the improper secretion of insulin by the pancreas or when the body doesn’t use the insulin effectively. The count of the number of people being affected by diabetes has been increasing drastically over the past few decades. About 60% of patients with diabetics will sustain from nerve damage, in which 5% of the patients suffer from diabetic foot ulcer and 1% of patient end up with amputation. Hence, with the early prediction of foot ulcers among diabetics, we can cure foot ulcers in the early stages of infection. An attempt is made to design a device that will be able to predict diabetic foot ulcers in patients with the help of various sensors. The device measures temperature (LM35 Sensor), IR Led, and oxygen level (Max30100 pulse oximeter). It is done by placing the sensors in predefined locations. The output of sensors is processed using ESP 32. The device uses the sensors described in the methodology. The processed values are compared with the standard values. The results obtained from the comparisons can be used to differentiate between the normal and abnormal feet of the patients. Hence, can be used as an early detection of foot ulcer.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] This invention falls under the field of medical devices and healthcare technologies, specifically focusing on early detection of diabetic foot ulcers and therapeutic solutions using infrared light therapy for pain relief and wound healing.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[002] Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common complication in diabetic patients, often leading to severe infections, gangrene, and amputations if left untreated. Traditional methods of managing diabetic foot conditions include regular physical examinations, imaging techniques like X-rays, and thermography, all of which require frequent hospital visits. Current technologies either focus on monitoring foot pressure or temperature but lack integrated solutions that combine early detection with therapeutic intervention.
[003] Existing devices fail to offer an automated, non-invasive system that combines monitoring foot health with providing immediate pain relief. Prior art includes pressure-based monitoring devices and isolated pain relief mechanisms using infrared light. However, there is no existing solution that detects diabetic ulcers early and uses the same device to provide immediate treatment through infrared stimulation, addressing the need for both early detection and timely intervention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] The present invention provides a device that integrates temperature and oxygen level sensors with a microcontroller to detect early signs of diabetic foot ulcers. The device comprises an ESP32 microcontroller, LM35 temperature sensors, Max30100 pulse oximeter sensors, and infrared LEDs. It monitors temperature and oxygen levels at predefined locations on the foot and processes the data to detect abnormalities. Upon detecting abnormal conditions, the device automatically activates the infrared LEDs to stimulate healing by increasing blood flow, reducing pain, and accelerating the recovery of damaged tissues.
[005] This system offers diabetic patients a low-cost, non-invasive solution to monitor their foot health regularly and receive immediate pain relief, reducing the risk of serious complications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[006] Figure 1 Displays the overall design of the device, showing the ESP32 microcontroller interfaced with temperature sensors, pulse oximeter, and infrared LEDs.
[007] Figure 2 shows the connections of the circuit built.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[008] The invention is an electronic system designed for detecting diabetic foot ulcers and providing pain relief using infrared light therapy. The system includes:
[009] ESP32 Microcontroller: Acts as the core processing unit, capable of wireless communication and controlling the various components of the system.
[010] LM35 Temperature Sensors: These sensors are placed at strategic points on the foot to measure temperature changes. Diabetic foot ulcers often cause localized temperature variations, which are detected by these sensors.
[011] Max30100 Pulse Oximeter: Monitors the oxygen levels in the foot. A drop in oxygen levels can be an early indicator of poor circulation and the development of foot ulcers.
[012] Infrared LEDs: When abnormal readings are detected, the infrared LEDs are activated to provide light therapy. Infrared light is known to improve blood circulation, reduce pain, and stimulate healing of tissues.
[013] Operation: The temperature and oxygen sensors send real-time data to the ESP32 microcontroller. If the data crosses a predetermined threshold (indicating abnormal conditions), the system triggers the infrared LEDs, which shine on the affected area of the foot, offering pain relief and promoting healing.
[014] User Interface: The system can be connected to a mobile application via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to allow real-time monitoring of the foot's health. The mobile app alerts users of any abnormal conditions and tracks the application of infrared light therapy. , C , Claims:Claim 1: A device for detecting diabetic foot ulcers, comprising:
a. At least one temperature sensor (LM35) positioned on the foot to monitor temperature variations.
b. An oxygen level sensor (MAX30100 pulse oximeter) to track oxygen saturation levels in the foot.
c. A microcontroller (ESP32) configured to process data from the sensors and compare it against normal foot conditions.
d. Infrared LEDs activated when abnormal sensor readings are detected, providing light therapy to the affected foot areas for pain relief and healing.
Claim 2: The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is configured to wirelessly transmit the sensor data to an external device for monitoring and alerting the user of potential foot ulcers.
Claim 3: The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the infrared LEDs provide light therapy to the foot, improving blood circulation and reducing pain.
Claim 4: A method for detecting diabetic foot ulcers using the device claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a. Monitoring foot temperature and oxygen levels in real-time.
b. Comparing the monitored data to a predefined threshold.
c. Activating infrared LEDs when abnormal conditions are detected.
d. Providing pain relief and promoting tissue healing using light therapy.

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