Diabetic ulcers are the most common foot injury leading to amputation in the lower extremities. Encouragingly, early detection and proper treatment of a foot ulcer can prevent up to 85 percent of amputations. It is important for physicians to perform regular, thorough foot exams, however people with diabetes can also rely on a foot thermometer for early detection of inflammation and potential ulceration.

Xilas Medical Inc. manufacturers the TempTouch (R), an infrared temperature measurement device for at-home use. In previous clinical trials, TempTouch (R) successfully detected inflammation before an ulceration perforated the surface skin. Patients compared temperatures of each foot in like positions. Spikes in skin temperature signal foot ulcers -- this early warning allowed patients to purposely reduce activity levels or off-load to prevent ulceration.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005, the TempTouch (R) requires a doctor's prescription, costs around $150 and is 16" long for easy reach. Unfortunately, the device is not covered by insurance. Health insurance companies prefer to pay for costly ulcer treatments and possible amputation versus a preventive device? The product is intended for daily use -- perhaps daily compliance is a challenge. At the very least, the device should be covered for people at high risk for foot ulcerations. Read more at WKRG News.

An article in Diabetes Care says a daily check of foot temperature with an infrared skin thermometer can significantly reduce the recurrence of foot ulcers.

Elevated skin temperature is a sign of inflammation and tissue injury, but the signs may be too subtle to detect. The study of 173 diabetic patients between 18 and 80 years of age were assigned to one of three treatment groups for 15 months. Group one received standard therapy, consisting of a foot evaluation every 8 weeks, therapeutic insoles and footwear, and an education program. Group two received the same treatment, plus instructions to inspect the bottom of their feet with a mirror twice daily. Group three received the same treatment as the second, but also used a digital infrared thermometer daily and were told to notify the study nurse if the temperature at the same site differed by more than 4° Fahrenheit. About 30% of subjects in groups one and two developed a new foot ulcer, compared with only 8.5% in group three. Approximately 90% of groups one and two also had full-thickness ulcers by the time they noticed a problem.

Once patients identified a hot spot, they were told to modify their activity and stay off their feet until the temperature normalized. Researchers believe this is what reduced the ulcer rate. Impressive! A digital infrared thermometer costs approximately $150 and is powered by 9-V battery. A simple addition to regular foot maintenance could save you an arm and a leg, literally.

Diabetes Care reports that the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) assists in alleviating nerve pain in patients with diabetes. Daily treatment with ALA showed the potential to reduce pain associated with diaibetes.

A comparison was made between three doses of oral ALA verses a placebo in 166 patients with diabetic nerve pain (polyneuropathy). The symptoms of different types of pain were significantly reduced after 5 weeks in the ALA treated group as compared with the placebo group. However, ALA treatment had no measurable effect on numbness. Symptoms improved significantly as early as 1 week with the highest ALA dose (1800 mg daily) and within 2 weeks with the other doses (600 mg and 1200 mg daily).

This research is encouraging because it suggests the possibility of repairing impaired sensory function. This is great news for diabetics suffering from foot ulcers, one of leading causes of foot amputation. Researchers concluded that taking 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), once daily would be the most appropriate oral dose with the least amount of gastrointestinal side effects. Stocking stuffer? You bet - in more ways than one!

It is not uncommon for drug companies to alter its products and services to meet market needs. The newest to fall in line is Tempe-based OrthoLogic, formerly a producer of bone-healing devices that is switching to drug maker. It recently struck a $5 million deal with North Carolina's Quintiles (a clinical research service company) to aid in the development of Chrysalin, an injectable drug to repair bone fractures. The drug also is being developed as a gel to heal diabetic foot ulcers, which are the most common type of foot injury leading to amputation. Quintiles can promote Chrysalin once the FDA approves it but OrthoLogic will control marketing and development.