Continuous Blood Glucose Measurement Devices for Diabetics
Many of us have grown up around diabetics, who had to prick their finger every day to ensure that the all-important glucose level was kept on a tight leash. It’s exciting that technology for glucose monitoring has now come a long way and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has become a buzzword in the world of Diabetes. This is certainly a godsend for those with Type 1 because they can get a constant stream of glucose data which is so vital for them to adjust their insulin intake and diet. But CGM systems are becoming more prevalent among Type 2 diabetes patients as well.
Dexcom G6
The Dexcom G6 was a groundbreaking system in the CGM world, which broke many barriers. It did not require calibration, had a disposable auto-inserted to place the sensor on the skin, paired with IOS and Android apps for continuous readings, and several alerts including predictive alerts. However, it was not for everyone, especially those who did not have the right insurance and could not afford to pay the out-of-pocket charges.
Freestyle Libre
Then came the Freestyle Libre from Abbott, which significantly lowered the price level and became affordable for many people. The Freestyle Libre is very similar to the Dexcom C6 in the ease of insertion and comes in many different models. However, it required the purchase of a reader for pulling the glucose stats rather than the continuous streaming that came with the Dexcom G6.
However, innovative companies have come up with off-the-shelf products which fill the void between the Freestyle Libre and Dexcom. One interesting device is the BlueCon Nightrider, which is made by US company called Ambrosia. The BlueCon is a transmitter that literally “sits” on top of the Libre Sensor, pulls data from it continuously and streams the data to a smart phone or even an Apple Watch. There are similar devices made in China, with interesting names such as “Bubble” and “MiaoMiao” which have functionality similar to BlueCon.
While the traditional strips are still the gold standard due to the direct measurement of glucose and the resulting accuracy that it provides, the area of CGM continues to evolve and provide seniors with more options for frequent monitoring and the ability to make rapid changes to diet and medication.
Further Reading
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes-type-2/dexcom-vs-freestyle-libre
https://www.makingyouthink.ca/2020/review-nightrider-blucon-for-libre/
