Production of 3D Printed Insoles for the Prevention of Ulcers in People with Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance and/or insufficient production of this hormone, one of the complications of which is peripheral neuropathy, which can result in the occurrence of plantar ulcers. Personalized insoles are a pillar for the therapeutic approach of individuals and the prevention of these injuries. This study evaluated the production of customized insoles by rapid prototyping for the prevention of plantar ulcers in diabetic people, with the aim of establishing a technically feasible protocol, making it possible to develop a protocol with greater technical feasibility. This method was divided into stages, which involved a scanning process, software modeling, 3D printing and post-processing, which includes cutting out the lining materials and attaching them to the insole. The manufacture of insoles by additive manufacturing has proven to be efficient and sustainable, since there is a reduction in costs, optimization of time and materials, with less waste generation.