The solution incorporates computer vision to support the clinical assessment of a condition affecting nearly 500 people in Cantabria.
The Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), the University of Cantabria (UC) and Viacore IT have developed an innovative application that facilitates the treatment of diabetic foot for healthcare professionals without specialized podiatry training. Thanks to computer vision, this solution generates digital images for the design of temporary insoles required to treat this condition — a significant step forward in preventing and managing a disorder that, according to the latest data from Primary Care, affects 477 people in the region.
In Cantabria, there are 35,352 people over the age of 18 living with type 2 diabetes. According to the Spanish National Health System’s Diabetes Strategy, 30% of them have a “foot at risk”. This condition, driven by a combination of circulatory problems and diabetic neuropathy, is characterized by the appearance of ulcers and infections that often precede an amputation. In fact, according to the Spanish National Consensus Conference on Lower Extremity Ulcers (CONUEI), amputations occur in between 14% and 20% of these cases.
However, up to 85% of problems associated with diabetic foot can be prevented through a combination of care and health education. Early diagnosis, preventive measures and appropriate treatment are essential to preserve foot health and avoid a significant number of amputations.
Although Cantabria was the first region in Spain to include podiatry services within its public healthcare system, the lack of specialists in the National Health System means that most patients are treated primarily by Primary Care professionals.
The drive of nurse Raquel Sarabia, a member of IDIVAL’s Nursing Research Group and a lecturer at the University of Cantabria, has been key to ensuring the success of this research project. Funded through various competitive calls published by IDIVAL, her work — together with the involvement of other Primary Care nurses — has led to the creation of a tool already being successfully used in health centers in Tanos, Sarón and Santillana del Mar.
An app made in Cantabria
Fully developed by Viacore IT, this innovative solution uses computer vision to analyze images of the patient’s foot without requiring specialist podiatry knowledge. It also stores the images in a digital clinical record, helping healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ progress and compare the evolution of lesions in a structured way.
The program captures graphic resources using an electronic device (tablet or smartphone) and automatically detects both the foot’s outline and high-pressure areas with precision. From there, it analyzes the information to anticipate the need for insoles — technically referred to as pressure offloading — as well as potential lesions at an early stage. These features make it possible to design and implement highly personalized treatments that are more effective, promoting wound healing and reducing the risk of ulceration.
The software has been designed primarily for Primary Care nursing staff, though it is also useful for podiatrists, family doctors and other healthcare professionals. Its cloud-based architecture ensures it can be used by multiple users simultaneously without performance issues. In addition, it can be integrated with Single Sign-On systems, improving interoperability with other healthcare platforms.
Although it has so far only been piloted within the Cantabrian Health Service, the application has been designed for easy integration into any large-scale healthcare system. It’s also worth noting its potential for research, as it generates a significant volume of data that could be used to improve prevention and treatment protocols.
What exactly is diabetic foot?
Diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, characterized by the appearance of ulcers and infections. If not properly managed, it can lead to amputation. The condition results from a combination of circulatory problems linked to diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. This nerve damage causes a loss of sensation in the feet, meaning patients may not feel wounds or abnormal pressure. Together, these factors lead to poor wound healing and an increased risk of infections.
Effective offloading — relieving pressure on the foot while protecting healing tissue — is essential for treating diabetic foot ulcers. This involves redistributing weight and reducing both vertical and shear forces to prevent further damage in the affected area.
Photo caption: From left to right, Paloma González, Innovation Support Technician and Project Manager at IDIVAL; David Pérez, Business Development Director at Viacore IT; and Mónica Cueli, nurse at the Tanos Health Center, Cantabrian Health Service, and member of IDIVAL. In the text, an image of the app, and in the gallery at the end, a summary of the presentation event.
