AI-Powered Thermal Imaging Revolutionizes Diabetic Foot Risk Detection

Multicentre publication shows AI-powered thermal imaging can meaningfully stratify diabetic foot risk across real-world clinical settings.

Amplifai Health has announced the publication of the largest global study to date evaluating AI-powered thermography for early diabetic foot risk detection. The peer-reviewed multicenter study, conducted in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Health, analyzed data from 1,120 individuals with diabetes across four regions in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the development of digital tools for diabetic foot prevention.

Leveraging TFScan, Amplifai Health’s AI-assisted thermography system, the study demonstrates how thermal imaging can identify subtle risk patterns long before clinical complications appear. The research represents the most extensive real-world deployment of AI thermography for diabetic foot assessment worldwide and offers a scalable, noninvasive approach suitable for primary care integration.

Using advanced computer vision algorithms, TFScan segments the plantar surface into vascular territories and analyzes angiosomal temperature profiles, asymmetries, and thermal signatures associated with neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, and sensory loss. Based on these metrics, the system stratified individuals into four risk categories, revealing strong alignment between thermal abnormalities and well-known clinical markers of diabetic foot complications. Notably, individuals classified as moderate or high risk showed far higher rates of peripheral artery disease, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and loss of protective sensation symptoms.

The study’s scale, the diversity of participating centers, and the use of standardized imaging protocols position it as a foundational reference for future AI-enabled screening. Unlike traditional assessments that rely on subjective examination or specialized personnel, TFScan offers objective, portable, and fully noninvasive assessment that fits seamlessly into routine clinical workflows.

Dr. Hani Mohammed Badahdah, Consultant of Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery and Lead of the Diabetic Foot Pathway at the Ministry of Health, added: “This study highlights the need to establish national early-screening strategies that enable us to identify the patients most at risk and follow them effectively to ensure they receive the care they need. Early detection is the key to preventing complications, and AI-powered thermography can help us reach high-risk patients before serious problems develop.”

Dr. Meshari Alwashmi, CEO of Amplifai Health, said:
“When we screen the diabetic population, we can identify the top 10% who are at risk of developing diabetic foot complications, and who go on to cost nearly five times more than the rest of the population. By finding them early, we can intervene sooner and protect them from major and costly complications.”

The study was supported by the Saudi Ministry of Health, with additional sponsorship from Taam and Tamer Mölnlycke Care. Amplifai Health extends its appreciation to all participating centers and partners whose collaboration made this research possible.

Amplifai Health views this publication as a significant step toward expanding clinically validated, AI-powered screening tools across diabetic care pathways. The findings support future longitudinal studies, real-world trials, and wider deployment across health systems in Saudi Arabia and globally.

You can access the full publication here:
https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e81289