One of the fundamental challenges in managing diabetes, especially insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (or “juvenile onset” diabetes) is the lag between a sharp trend in blood glucose levels (up or down) and the diabetic’s awareness. The sooner a diabetic can become aware of becoming hypo- or hyperglycemic, the sooner he/she can act to preempt this adverse affects, some of which (especially for hypoglycemia) can be dangerous.
One of the fundamental challenges in managing diabetes, especially insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (or “juvenile onset” diabetes) is the lag between a sharp trend in blood glucose levels (up or down) and the diabetic’s awareness. The sooner a diabetic can become aware of becoming hypo- or hyperglycemic, the sooner he/she can act to preempt this adverse affects, some of which (especially for hypoglycemia) can be dangerous.
Couple this with another fundamental challenge in diabetes — the need for painful, frequent blood glucose testing involving finger pricks for blood sampling — and it becomes clear why continuous blood glucose monitoring (cBGM), especially non-invasive, holds potential. While the challenge of providing cBGM is currently more economic than technical, as a practical matter the solution has not yet emerged that is supported by industry.
Below (and based on an inquiry from a Quora member) is a 2010 listing (perhaps in need of a recent update) of manufacturers developing continuous blood glucose monitors.
Developers of Continuous Blood Glucose Monitors
| Company | Product | Key Features | Regulatory Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbott | FreeStyle Navigator | Advanced hypo- and hyperglycenia alarms. Has integrated FreeStyle meter for calibration | Approved |
| AiMedics Pty Ltd. | HypoMon | Noninvasive, electro-physiological, chest skinÐbased | In development |
| ArKal Medical | (Unnamed) | Improved convenience and ease | In development |
| Biorasis Inc. (Bio-Orasis) | Glucowizzard | Implantable sensor | In development |
| Cascade Matrix, Inc. | Based on the AutoSampler automated vascular blood sampling system | Noninvasive mid-infrared/microfluid | Developmental |
| DexCom, Inc. | SEVEN | Can be worn up to 7 days | Approved |
| DexCom, Inc. | SEVEN PLUS | Can be worn up to 7 days. Adds trends, alerts and alarms | Approved |
| Echo Therapeutics (formerly Sontra Medical) | Symphony tCGS | Noninvasive (needle-free), wireless, transdermal, sonophoresis | In pilot trials |
| GluMetrics, Inc. | GluCath | Single-use catheter and sensor system for real-time intravenous monitoring of patientÕs glucose; for hospital use | In development |
| Medtronic | iPro 2 Professional | Disposable glucose sensor. Small automatic data recorder. Small, lightweight, watertight. Allows 288 readings in 24 hour period, uploadable via internet for remote access | CE Mark, launched outside the U.S.in June 2010, approval pending in 22 other countries |
| Medtronic | Paradigm REAL-Time | Paradigm CGM combined with Minimed pump | Approved |
| Medtronic | Guardian REAL-Time | CGM only | Approved |
| Menarini | GlucoDay S | For type 1 and type 2 diabetics | Approved in Europe |
| Roche | SCGM1 | Glucose measurement at 5 min intervals for up to 4 days. Microdialysis-based measurement | Investigational |
| Ultradian Diagnostics | Biologue | Wireless, predict and alarm user 20 minutes of a high or low glucose level, calibration-free interface to an insulin pump | In development |
Source: Report #D510, “Diabetes Management: Products, Technologies, Markets and Opportunities Worldwide 2009-2018”, Report #D510.
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