As readers of this blog are aware, I am also a Type 2 Diabetic, having been so for almost 50 years. As such, I am interested in the broad range of devices and treatments available and becoming available to help manage the disease. Keep in mind, that diabetes is highly correlated with dialysis; on the order of 34+% on dialysis are also diabetics. Thus I surmise more than a passing interest in diabetes care and treatment.
I currently employ an Abbott Libre 3 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to help manage my diabetes. I recently read on Yahoo Finance about the Eversense CGM system receiving iCGM designation by the US FDA. I had never heard of a device named “iCGM” and this blog below provides information for the reader on what this new device is all about.
Integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGMs) systems are a type of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that are designed to be used as part of an integrated diabetes management system. Here are the key points about iCGMs:
iCGMs are the first type of CGM system that the FDA has permitted to be used as part of an integrated system, which may include automated insulin dosing systems, insulin pumps, blood glucose meters, or other electronic devices used for diabetes management.[4] This allows for more seamless integration and flexibility for patients to tailor their diabetes management.
The FDA has established special controls for iCGMs to ensure their accuracy, reliability, and clinical relevance. This enables developers of future iCGM systems to go through a more streamlined premarket review process known as 510(k).[4]
The Dexcom G6 was the first iCGM system authorized by the FDA in 2018. It is a patch device about the size of a quarter that is applied to the skin and continuously measures glucose levels, transmitting the data to a compatible display device.[4] It does not require user calibration, unlike earlier CGM models.[4]
Other iCGM systems in development include those from Profusa, Metronom Health, and Indigo Diabetes, though they have not yet attained regulatory approval.[3] These systems aim to provide continuous monitoring of glucose and other metabolites through minimally invasive or implantable sensors.
iCGMs provide patients with more flexibility and options to integrate CGM data with other diabetes management devices and technologies. This can help improve glucose control and reduce the burden of diabetes self-care.[4] However, patients should still consult their healthcare providers before making any medical decisions based on iCGM data.[2]
We don’t want to be too serious all the time. We recently purchased six flats of flowers to plant in our numerous gardens. Before the flats even had a chance to be planted, butterflies found the flowers and had a field day. That is what the lead photo is about.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8764584/
[2] https://www.medpagetoday.com/primarycare/diabetes/109047
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuous_glucose_monitor
[4] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-first-fully-interoperable-continuous-glucose-monitoring-system-streamlines-review
[5] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/continuous-glucose-monitoring
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