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KIT
"It was clear, even back then, that
continuous glucose monitoring
- CGM - could offer significant
benefits. Dexcom pioneered research
and development of this groundbreaking
tech. Having said that, we
can't stand still, we are always looking
for ways to improve and innovate. We
need to amplify the value CGM gives,
the reliability of our sensors, and our
success with them to date."
Spoiled for choice?
One thing Leach is aware of is that
there are more and more sensor
choices coming to market (or at least
trying to come to market). Having
reported on this journey for the last
15 years, it's been a slow old journey
with Dexcom not being the only
option, but one that chose to focus
on being the most connective -
pairing with as many other diabetes
devices as possible. Says Leach, "We
saw the need to lean into that, to
not only be the best, but the most
integrated. We did that to support
people's ability to have a choice of
what kit to use."
Over time, Dexcom has grown to
connect to the newer 'smart pens'
from companies like Novo Nordisk
and Eli Lilly, as well as improving
access to food information and even
insulin dosing algorithms. Leach adds,
"We stay close to these innovations
in the sector to see how CGM can be
integrated to help improve outcomes,
so that non-automated options are
not left out from gaining benefits
from CGM insights. It means that
CGM can be used to inform choice,
so it is part of the 'right dose at the
right time' approach. As part of this,
we're embracing food recognition
technology too, in order to drive
those better outcomes."
Playing it smart
At EASD 2025, Dexcom announced
Dexcom Smart Basal, a new
integrated titration module designed
to make basal insulin initiation and
management easier for users. This
is currently under FDA and CE mark
review.
For those newly diagnosed with
Type 1 diabetes, or for those with
Type 2 diabetes going onto insulin,
as well as the HCPs overseeing this,
getting used to deciding the best
dose is not easy. It is by necessity
learnt via trial and error which, when
you are dealing with insulin, can
be both frightening and potentially
dangerous. However, there are things
that can help, like knowledge of carb
counting and a target glucose range.
Wearing CGM that can give you the
'heads up' as to the wearer's glucose
either going up, or down also takes
some of the fear out of the equation.
Leach explains, "This helps the
HCPs as part of their workflow, the
prescribing physician can keep an eye
on what's going on and help to give
insights and make adjustments. It is
going to be a part of our Clarity app,
as part of the person's treatment plan.
They can set up maximum dosages
as well as target glucose results.
We see it as being part of a 90-day
onboarding treatment plan for the
patient. In reality, we see people
getting to optimal dosing within 30
days. The app on your smartphone
suggests a dose, and can also do
reminders so people don't forget to
dose, which is easiest to do when you
are new to the insulin regime. It takes
away a lot of the maths, most of the
hypos, and a lot of the worry."
The pace for innovating is being
kept up by Dexcom and as new
products become available in the UK,
we will cover news as it happens. -