SOMERVILLE, Massachusetts—Podimetrics, a company specializing in complex diabetes care, has launched SmartMat+, a solution designed to reduce falls and monitor signs of heart failure, while continuing to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers. When paired with virtual clinical support, SmartMat+ enables early risk identification and intervention to help prevent serious complications associated with diabetes.
Podimetrics launched the first SmartMat in 2016, based on the science of remote temperature monitoring to detect signs of inflammation, which is clinically proven to be a precursor to diabetic foot wounds. By identifying inflammation early in high-risk individuals, payers and providers can intervene early to prevent severe wounds from developing, reducing the risk of complications, including lower limb amputations.
“Most remote monitoring solutions for diabetes focus on a single aspect of the condition, which can create significant gaps in care,” said Jon Bloom, CEO of Podimetrics. “People with diabetes often face compounding challenges, including a higher risk of falls due to neuropathy and heart failure, which can be up to four times more prevalent in this population. With SmartMat+, we are addressing these critical issues and aim to continue expanding our support to prevent complications before they lead to serious life-altering events."
SmartMat+ measures not only foot temperature but also tracks balance and weight through a simple 20-second daily scan. By continuously monitoring this data, Podimetrics can notify health plans and providers if potential issues are detected, enabling early intervention.
"We transform this data into actionable insights and timely intervention," said David Linders, chief product officer of Podimetrics. "Our clinical team uses these insights to offer relevant support to payers, providers and members at the right time, ultimately driving better outcomes."
For patients with heart failure, a sudden increase in weight may indicate fluid retention and could signal potential complications. If this occurs, a Podimetrics nurse will reach out to the patient to conduct an assessment. If the patient also experiences additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue or palpitations, the health care provider will be notified for further intervention or, if necessary, a referral to emergency care.
SmartMat+ also measures a user's daily postural stability, highly correlated with the risk of falling and provides real-time notifications after each scan. This allows patients to take additional precautions if they are found to be unstable. Additionally, trends in their stability data are reported to the payer, enabling referrals to resources for further assistance. These resources may include fall prevention programs, physical therapy, home modifications and durable medical equipment.
A health plan client is set to launch a pilot program with SmartMat+ in December. After partnering with Podimetrics, the company said the plan has seen success in reducing amputations, achieving a 50% decrease over the past 12 months. As a result, it is expanding the program with SmartMat+ to include more of its members.
Podimetrics will be showcasing SmartMat+ at the HLTH Conference in Las Vegas, Oct. 20-22. Representatives will be available to demo the device and answer questions about the technology and how it helps prevent serious complications of diabetes.