4
NEWS
Implantable
CGM & insulin
pumps
The US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has designated
the Eversense (Senseonics, Inc;
Ascencia Diabetes Care) implanted
continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
as an 'integrated CGM,' which means
that it can be used with insulin
pumps as part of an automated
insulin delivery system (AID).
The Eversense device joins
Dexcom's G6 and G7 and the
Freestyle Libre 2 Plus in being
compatible with multiple different
branded insulin pumps as part
of AID systems. It is the only
implantable one: its sensor is
inserted under the skin of the
patient's upper arm by a healthcare
provider, and a transmitter is worn
over it on the skin.
According to Senseonics, the
Eversense is 'the most accurate
CGM in the critical low glucose
ranges with essentially no
compression lows.' The latter refers
to 'false low' alarms that sometimes
occur when a person presses on the
device, such as while asleep.
Insulin supply issues
Diabetes UK has commented on the
recent reports of some temporary
shortages involving medicines used
by people living with diabetes in
the UK.
However, this does not mean
that there is a shortage of insulin
generally, and in all cases, suitable
alternatives are available, as
shown below:
• Humalog and Humulin: currently
there is the potential for shortterm disruption to supplies of
Humalog and Humulin in vials only
- pre-filled pens and cartridges
are not affected. The affected
vials are Humalog 100units/
ml vials, Humulin I 100units/ml
vials, Humulin M3 100units/ml
vials and Humulin S 100units/ml
vials. Manufacturers Eli Lilly are
are working to reduce the impact
of supply disruptions and advise
anyone experiencing difficulty
in getting their prescription
filled to contact their doctor to
discuss options.
• Fiasp FlexTouch: while there are
no shortages of Fiasp insulin, it
is expected that there will be a
shortage of the Fiasp FlexTouch
100units/ml pre-filled insulin pen
until January 2025. However, Fiasp
remains available in 100units/ml
cartridges.
• Tresiba FlexTouch: again, while
there are no issues with the
availability of Tresiba insulin, there
are expected to be supply issues
with Tresiba FlexTouch 100units/
ml pre-filled pens until December
2024. The option of using Tresiba
insulin in cartridge form will
be available.
There have also been some recent
discontinuations of two forms of
insulin products: InnoLet 100units/
ml suspension for injection 3ml prefilled
disposable devices for both
Insulatard and Levemir are being
discontinued and the remaining
stock is set to run out by the end of
May 2024. As alternatives, Humulin I
KwikPen 100units/ml suspension for
injection 3ml pre-filled pens remain
available in the place of Insulatard,
while Levemir Innolet devices can be
replaced by Levemir FlexPens and
Levemir Penfill cartridges.
Those with any concerns
or questions over their insulin
treatment are advised to contact the
Diabetes UK helpline either by email
at helpline@diabetes.org.uk, or on
0345 123 2399.
To find out more, CLICK HERE.
EXTOD event for exercise
The EXTOD faculty, a group of NHS
and University based experts in T1D
and exercise are holding a number
of one-day events to educate the
diabetes community on the effect
exercise has on blood glucose levels,
in order to empower those who
exercise - or want to exercise -
regularly.
Each event will benefit a different
group and will provide important,
easily digestible information on how
people with T1D can exercise safely.
So, if you are an adult with T1D, a
parent or a carer of a child with T1D,
a healthcare professional or a PE
teacher/sports coach, take a look at
the details below:
• Adults with T1D: Saturday
7 September, in person
conference, Bristol
• Parents and Carers of Children
with T1D: Wednesday 17 July
(online)
• PE and Sports Coaches:
Thursday 18 July (online)
• Healthcare Professionals,
Edinburgh: Tuesday 26 and
Wednesday 27 November
Healthcare Professionals,
Bristol: Friday 6 September.
Details of the topics that will be
covered, the speakers and the cost
to attend can all be found using the
links above, you can also contact
Sophie Richardson (01732 897788) if
you have any questions.