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Patients living with type 1 diabetes could soon find managing their condition easier with the launch of new continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies.
For patients with type 1 diabetes, managing their blood glucose levels is a very demanding process that requires constant care and attention. Diabetes management is particularly challenging for patients with high glycaemic variability, hypoglycaemia unawareness or history of Serious Hypoglycaemic Events (SHEs). In these cases, continuous glucose monitoring technologies (CGM) such as the Dexcom G6® CGM system could provide the solution.
CGM is a diabetes management tool that measures glucose levels 24 hours a day using a sensor inserted just under the skin. A CGM device can wirelessly transmit† glucose readings to a patient’s compatible smartphone, smartwatch or receiver.‡ This provides patients with real-time interstitial glucose readings and can also alert patients when their levels soar too high or drop too low. CGM technology can benefit patients with type 1 diabetes from 2 years old, as well as patients on multiple daily injections (MDI) insulin therapy or using an insulin pump.
Dexcom CGM systems have proven clinical outcomes. In five randomised clinical trials,|| CGM use has proven to reduce HbA1c and increase time spent ‘in range’,1,2 reduce risk of hypoglycaemia,3,4 and help improve quality of life and wellbeing5 in patients with type 1 diabetes. In light of supporting clinical evidence, National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend the use of real-time CGM in adults and paediatrics with type 1 diabetes who meet certain eligibility criteria.6,7
CGM technologies have changed the landscape for type 1 patients and their caregivers, offering them unprecedented freedom while continuously monitoring their diabetes. And these technologies are continually improving. The new Dexcom G6® CGM system – launched early this year – is the first real-time diabetes management system approved with zero* fingersticks. The Dexcom G6 doesn’t require calibration and offers outstanding accuracy.§8 It also has an auto-applicator insertion system, a slim device profile and no paracetamol interference.
To make disease management even easier, Dexcom has recently launched the CLARITY® Mobile App, a cloud-based solution to simplify CGM data and facilitate secure sharing of data between physicians and their patients.‡ First launched for desktop, Dexcom CLARITY offers quick access to high-level metrics like estimated HbA1c and average glucose from the patient’s smart device.‡ CLARITY also has an Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP), a licensed, standardised glucose report created by the International Diabetes Center (IDC), that provides a big picture view of diabetes management that could provide vital insights into patient health.
CGM technology is transforming diabetes care and management, with new advances such as the Dexcom G6 system offering more protection, convenience and flexibility than ever before. “We believe our new Dexcom G6 system will set new standards, both in terms of patient benefits and cost efficiency for the NHS,” says Karen Baxter, head of Dexcom in the UK and Ireland.
“We are working with healthcare professionals across the UK, to make CGM more widely available through the NHS for patients with type 1 diabetes.”
* If glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. † Internet connectivity required for data sharing. Following requires the use of the Follow App. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6® App or Receiver before making treatment decisions. ‡ For a list of compatible devices, visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility. § % of CGM readings within ±0.8 mmol/L of YSI lab reference values < 5.6 mmol/L or ±15% of YSI values > 5.6 mmol/L. || Previous CGM systems have shown to lower HbA1c. References: 1. Beck RW, et al. DIAMOND – JAMA. 2017. 2. Soupal J, et al. COMISAIR, Diabetes Technol Ther. 2016. 3. Heinemann L, et al. HypoDE, Lancet. 2018. 4. Reddy, M et al. iHart CGM Diabet Med. 2018. 5. Lind M, et al. GOLD JAMA. 2017. 6. NICE Guidance NG17, 2015. 7. NICE Guidance NG18, 2015. 8. Wadwa RP, Laffel LM, Shah VN, Garg SK. Accuracy of a Factory-Calibrated, Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System During 10 Days of Use in Youth and Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2018. © 2018 Dexcom UK & Ireland. Dexcom UK (Distribution) Limited, Watchmoor Park, Camberley, GU15 3YL (10040080). VAT 241 2390 40. LBL016926 Rev001.
