Diabetic Foot Care for Our Veterans

Diabetes is a condition that affects a large percentage of military personnel and is the leading cause of non-traumatic limb amputations among Veterans. Siren is working to reduce the number of amputations by offering temperature monitoring services to Active Military and Veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Diabetes: A Major Health Concern Among Veterans

Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body produces and uses insulin—the hormone responsible for processing the sugars and carbohydrates in our food. People living with diabetes cannot effectively break down the carbohydrates in their diet, leading to elevated sugar levels in the blood. High blood sugar can cause significant damage to the blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, leading to additional health complications like neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). 

Diabetes affects 1 in 4 Veterans—more than double the rate for non-Veterans, 1 out of 10 people. For the 25% of Veterans living with diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers are a major concern and can lead to other serious health conditions and even death.

In 2019, the VA treated 75,000 DFUs. Some of these ulcerations resulted in severe infections and tissue death, leaving medical professionals with no other treatment options besides amputation. In fact, diabetes accounted for more than 80% of non-traumatic amputations among Veterans.‍

The VA Is Taking Steps to Reduce Diabetic Foot Complications

Diabetes, foot ulcerations, and limb amputations are widespread health issues in the veteran population. The VA has spent over a decade researching ways to reduce the impact of diabetes on their patients and has made major strides in expanding access to preventative care. 

Prevention of Amputation in Veterans Everywhere (PAVE) is a program implemented by the VA with the primary goal of preventing limb loss among Veterans. PAVE offers prosthetic and podiatry referrals, follow-up care, and education on maintaining foot health. 

The PAVE clinic is an outpatient podiatric service available to all Veterans with a referral from their primary care doctor. Any veteran who has had an amputation, is at high risk for amputation, or has a condition such as diabetes with associated loss of sensation or blood flow is encouraged to seek treatment at a PAVE clinic. 

Remote Temperature Monitoring Prevents Foot Ulcers

Many VA patients with diabetic foot complications also suffer from other related health issues such as kidney and heart disease, making preventing and treating ulcers even more difficult. Although the VA has encouraged patients to prioritize their foot health through daily foot checks and proper footwear, care providers realized foot ulcerations were still going unnoticed and untreated.  

Remote temperature monitoring—a technological advancement that allows healthcare providers to monitor changes in their patients’ feet from home— can significantly improve the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. Recent studies  

How Siren is Enhancing Remote Temperature Monitoring

Diabetic foot ulcer prevention is most successful when monitoring devices can fit seamlessly into your daily life. That is why Siren has developed a temperature monitoring system as simple as putting your socks on in the morning.

We make our smart socks using our proprietary technology—microsensors are embedded into the fabric and continuously monitor the temperature of your feet. Simply plug the wireless hub into any outlet and wear your Siren socks to start sending data to your nurse and doctor—no smartphone required! If there is a significant change in the condition of your feet, Siren software will automatically notify your dedicated nurse, and they will contact you with instructions for further management.  

Siren is honored to serve our Veterans and active military personnel. If you are an active member of the Armed Forces or a Veteran with diabetes, talk with your VA healthcare provider about Siren Socks and how they can help reduce your risk of foot ulcers and amputation. 

For more information, visit www.siren.care/va.