Project summary
Some people with diabetes go on to develop problems with the nerves in their feet. This is known as peripheral neuropathy and can affect safe driving. Professor Marple-Horvat is investigating if a driving stimulator and feedback system can help people with peripheral neuropathy get back to driving safely again, and keep their independence.
Background to research
People living with diabetes may develop a condition called neuropathy. This is when nerves in your feet become damaged, causing numbness or pain. This can lead to difficulties with driving. For example, Professor Dilwyn Marple-Horvat has found that people with diabetes and neuropathy may push down on the accelerator pedal too much, causing safety issues. Â
Research aims
Professor Marple-Horvat will test a solution that he hopes will get people with diabetes and neuropathy driving safety again. Â
He will study 30 people with diabetes and neuropathy and 30 people with diabetes with no foot problems. He’ll first look for any changes in their driving skills using a simulator to find those that could be down to neuropathy. Â
Next, he’ll aim to teach the volunteers to use the accelerator pedal safely again with the aid of a feedback signal in the driving simulator. It’ll warn them when they’re not using the accelerator correctly. Participants will use the simulator once a month for six months. Professor Marple-Horvat hopes the feedback will help them to gradually change their driving and develop a safe technique.  Â
Potential benefit to people with diabetes
Up to 50% of people with diabetes may develop neuropathy. Being able to drive safely is essential to help people keep their independence. Â
In the future, Professor Marple-Horvat’s research may lead to people with neuropathy having an in-vehicle driver assistance system that works in the same way as his lab simulator and warning device. It should be possible to make it part of a new car's safety systems or add as an extra fitting to an existing vehicle.Â
