It's been a busy couple of months with lots of announcements relating to diabetes medtech. So to help you keep up-to-date, we have a quick roundup of recent news that affects those managing diabetes themselves or as a carer.
Dexcom G7 launches in UK
The hugely anticipated Dexcom G7 CGM is now being rolled out in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Hong Kong. Further launches in New Zealand and South Africa are planned to follow in the next few weeks. However, Dexcom are still awaiting the approval of the G7 in the US.
The G7 is smaller, has a one-piece applicator similar to the Freestyle Libre, and takes only 30-minutes to warmup. There is no longer a separate transmitter to attach but it still only lasts up to 10 days. The G7 can be bought directly in the UK from the Dexcom website.
See if the G7 ticks all the boxes for your diabetes managenment in our blog 'What to expect' here.
Omnisend 5 announces UK rollout
Insulet have announced that the Omnipod 5 will be marketed in Europe from mid-2023. It’s not yet known which countries will be prioritised but there's much hope that it will be added to the NHS list of approved suppliers.
Omnipod 5 is the first and only tubeless, automated insulin delivery system to integrate with Dexcom G6. It's design means that wearers will no longer need multiple daily injections, there are no tubes to worry about, and no need for finger-prick tests. The Omnipod is already available in the US and can be bought there directly from a pharmacy.
World's first non-invasive glucose monitor
GlucoRx have announced the first sensor that doesn't need anything to be inserted into the skin to measure glucose levels. The BioXensor, set to be the world's first non-invasive sensor, has been developed utilising technolgy developed at Cardiff University.
BioXensors are intended to be sustainable and will last for a minimum of 4 years. Further trials are now planned before applying for a CE mark for marketing in 2023.
Libre 2 improves Quality of Life
The results of a clinical trial carried out by the University of Manchester have shown that using Freestyle Libre 2 leads to a lower average glucose level and a better quality of life for type 1s when compared to finger-pricking. The study further underlies the importance of access to medtech for type 1s and potentially others with a high HbA1c.
Note to UK users: It is understood that you will need to switch to from Libre 1 to 2 (or other CGM) by the end of 2022. To learn about the benefits of Libre 2 read our Briefing 'What you need to know about using Libre 2' here.
Insulin tablet breakthrough
Have you ever wondered why insulin isn't available in tablet form?
A key reason is that it breaks down in the stomach before reaching the liver. However, a new insulin tablet developed by the University of Brithish Columbia in Canada, has shown that 100% of the insulin reached the liver when trialed with rats. It's hoped this could lead to oral tablets replacing the need for injections, with tablets significantly reducing costs and also having environmental benefits.
The insulin pills are not swallowed but dissolve in the mouth, between the gum and cheek, working in a similar way to rapid-acting injections. The insulin is effective around 30 minutes after dissolving and is active for between two and four hours afterwards.
GlucoMen prices revealed
GlucoMen Day CGM is now available on prescription, subject to local areas including it on their prescribing list. The cost to the NHS is slightly less than Libre and Dexcom ONE at £67 for a pack of 2 ie. £33.50 each 14-day sensor.
See our quick Review of GlucoMen Day here.
Dexcom ONE CGM on NHS
Dexcom ONE is now available on prescription, in the same way as FreeStyle Libre, depending on local prescribing. It is essentially a pared-down G6 which offers users the benefit of real-time CGM. The main limitation is there is no ability to follow users, and as with other Dexcom products the sensor only lasts up to 10 days.
Read our review to find out more about the Pros and Cons of Dexcom ONE here.
Another choice on NHS - GlucoRx AiDEX CGM
There are now 4 choices for flash and real-time CGM on the NHS. Again, this may vary by locality, but following NICE Guidelines, a GP should be able to prescribe T1Ds one of the following: FreeStyle Libre 2, Dexcom ONE, GlucoMen Day or GlucoRx AiDEX.
Find out about this 4th choice in our Libre Life 'Review of the GlucoRx AiDEX' based on personal experience here.
TYPE 1 DIABETES BY AGE
A recent statistical reminder by Partha Kar (NHS National Diabetes Specialist) shows that type 1 diabetes isn't a condition that only affects the young and in fact over 60% of those struggling with diabetes management are over 40 years old!
Data for England sourced from #gbdoc Feb 2020.
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| AGE |
POPULATION |
% OF TYPE 1s |
| 0-39 years |
100,760 |
38.2% |
| 40-49 years |
41,680 |
15.8% |
| 50-59 years |
49,160 |
18.6% |
| 60- 69 years |
36,125 |
13.7% |
| 70-79 years |
24,180 |
9.2% |
| 80 years & older |
11,925 |
4.5% |
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Disclaimer
This is not an endorsement of any 3rd party mentioned above. The author has type 1 diabetes and uses the FreeStyle Libre 2 which is prescribed by the NHS. All 3rd party trademarks are owned by their respective company. Libre Life and Love My Libre are trademarks of Love My Libre Ltd.
