700269A diagnostic and monitoring device for Diabetic Peripheral NeuropathyClosedGRD Proof of MarketInnovate UKAn Improved Neuropathy Device Introduction Diabetes is burgeoning, especially where cultural changes have favoured “the western diet”: fast-developing countries are suffering the greatest challenges and would be valuable export markets. By 2025 there will be 5 m people with diabetes in the UK; up from 3 m diagnosed today (March 13). The worst complications are to the feet, through Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), where patients loose feeling, get damage and infection, and then suffer consequent amputations and a hastened death. This costs the NHS £1billion p.a. and sufferers extreme hardship. Aims and objectives The Putting Feet First campaign from Diabetes UK champions improved screening and monitoring of DPN to make significant savings to health budgets and improve patients’ lives. Thermal perception has been shown to deteriorate before other senses. We will deliver a costeffective screening and monitoring device that can be used in primary care by nurse practitioners. It will give advanced warning of impending problems and allow early interventions and personalised care programmes, thereby significantly reducing disease impact. This project will: • Quantify possible savings; • Identify the size and location of the market; • Define a realistic price; • Propose a market strategy; • Engage with practitioners and patients to confirm the device specifications and operation. Description of innovation We have determined a way of making a portable device accessible to primary care that can stimulate the patient’s foot with a small plate that drives both hot and cold. It can self-calibrate and is simple to use, through algorithms and cues. The patient alerts the operator by reporting their perception of different applied temperatures. After a few minutes of repetition, the device will indicate a value of the patient’s thermal sensitivity. Their record will allow far greater visibility and control of the progress and devastating effects of DPN.