From Early Detection to Digital Precision

Transforming Neuropathy Care Together

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) affects up to half of all people with diabetes, creating one of the most widespread and costly global complications. For health‑innovation SMEs, this represents both a critical unmet need and a rapidly expanding commercial opportunity. Early detection remains a major challenge, as traditional tests typically identify neuropathy only after substantial nerve damage has occurred.

Neuropad^®, a simple, non‑invasive test for sudomotor dysfunction (i.e. impaired ability to sweat), has demonstrated strong performance in primary care, identifying 75.9% of neuropathy cases, far exceeding traditional tests such as the calibrated monofilament test. Sudometrics^® builds on this proven foundation by converting the Neuropad result into a quantified, smartphone‑enabled digital biomarker using robust image‑analysis algorithms. This adds objectivity, reproducibility, and the ability to track disease progression over time.

Quantitative sudomotor scoring enhances clinical decision‑making, supports research, and can also be used with other conditions where small‑fibre or autonomic damage is key, such as Fabry disease.

Sudometrics is being marketed not only to the UK but also to the EU, Middle East, United States, and Latin America, positioning it as a scalable global technology.

The diabetes market itself is vast, with an estimated $610–$650 billion in annual global healthcare expenditure and a projected increase to nearly $1 trillion by 2030, driven by rising prevalence, complications management, and digital‑health adoption.

The development of Sudometrics has been accelerated through its membership at Arise Harlow, enabling collaboration, technical development and inspiring a cohort of Anglia Ruskin University students specialising in AI and neural networks. Additional collaboration with Harlow members Adiuvo Engineering strengthens pathways for co‑development and product innovation.

The benefit lies in applying machine learning and AI expertise to validate the hydration‑detection methodology already developed and to synthesise an integrated product that is trustworthy 100% of the time, designed for optimal user experience and universally available for domain experts.

Challenges, including smartphone variability, integration with clinical workflows, EHR connectivity and reimbursement, remain, yet offer opportunity for SME‑led innovation. Future developments may include predictive risk models, AI‑enhanced pattern recognition, expansion into non‑diabetic neuropathies, integration with wearables and broader industrial partnerships.

Dr Beverley Vaughan, Arise Innovation Hubs Director, notes:
“Both Neuropad and Sudometrics are disrupting and improving the standard of care in such a critical disease indication. Their story should inspire other entrepreneurs to follow in their bold footsteps.”

To find out more visit the Sudometrics website.