The center integrates various diagnostic tools into a single platform, powered by proprietary AI algorithms that enable accurate classification of at-risk feet. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
To address the growing burden of diabetic foot complications, podiatrists in Karnataka are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into diabetic foot screening, classification and treatment.
A Center for Artificial Intelligence Diabetic Foot Care and Research has been set up at Government Nandi Medical College Hospital, Chickballapur. The center brings together advanced diagnostic tools, including pedobarography, vascular and neuropathy assessment, on a single integrated platform.
Developed by StrideAIde, a start-up founded by Pavan Belehalli, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Podiatry at the Karnataka State Institute of Endocrinology and Research (KIER), the initiative is being implemented by Trinity Foundation in collaboration with the BeST Cluster of IISc.
The center will be officially opened on World Diabetes Day, November 14.
Early detection through AI
Dr. Belehalli told The Hindu that conventional diabetic foot screening relied heavily on specialized clinical experience. “The introduction of artificial intelligence now enables early detection, accurate risk classification and early intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of complications such as lower limb amputations,” he said.
The center integrates various diagnostic tools into a single platform, powered by proprietary AI algorithms that enable accurate classification of at-risk feet. “It creates integrated reports that help doctors make early detection and recommendations,” said Dr. Belehalli.
StrideGPT
A key element of the system is StrideGPT, an intelligent conversational AI agent designed to assist doctors, patients and medical staff. “It allows users to easily interact with the system and minimizes the need for specialized staff to interpret complex diabetic foot data,” he explained.
Dr. Describing the center as a “significant step” in decentralizing diabetic foot care, Belehalli said it would help scale up specialized services to the taluk and district levels.
Growing burden
According to KIER data, cases of diabetic foot are increasing among patients, especially men aged 35 to 55 years. In 2022, the institute recorded 13,091 patients, in 2023 13,958 and by October 2024 11,258 cases. Between November 2024 and November 13, 2025, the number climbed to 13,542.
In total, from 2022 to November 2025, 25,086 patients underwent minor and major procedures at KIER. The number of amputations also increased – from 55 small and 12 large amputations in 2023 to 65 large and 17 smaller amputations in 2024. This year, 28 large and 42 smaller amputations have already been performed.
Dr. Belehalli said the average amputation rate at the institute is between 8% and 10%, which he attributes to the increase in lack of awareness and late presentation.
Nerve damage and complications
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes, often resulting from long-term high blood sugar that damages nerves and blood vessels. This nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or loss of feeling in the feet.
A reduced ability to feel pain, heat or cold increases the risk of undetected injuries that can lead to ulcers and infections. If left untreated, these infections can get worse and may eventually require amputation to prevent further spread.
Published – 13 Nov 2025 22:01 IST
