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Continuous glucose sensoring: benefits and barriers
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American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 17th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress
While new advancements promise to improve continuous glucose sensoring, lofty costs are creating problems and limiting accessibility to the new technology, according to several presenters at one of today’s scientific sessions.
A lack of health care providers willing to cover the expense of the device and supplies makes the three FDA-approved continuous glucose sensoring products on the market difficult to implement.
In a presentation moderated by AACE President Richard Hellman, MD, FACP, FACE, experts discussed the benefits and barriers of continuous glucose sensoring, including existing and up-coming technologies and the current status and future of glucose sensors for children and adolescents.
“Continuous glucose monitoring is a fabulous motivator and educator; there is nothing else like it,” Daniel Einhorn, MD, FACP, FACE, clinical professor of medicine at the University of California San Diego, said during his presentation.
According to Einhorn, providing continuous glucose monitoring establishes leadership in the diabetes community and offers a unique service designed to improve patient care. However, there are challenges associated with applying continuous glucose monitoring.
Hurdles to overcome
Apart from patient comfort and technological issues, staff requirements, such as troubleshooting the device, may prove problematic when using continuous glucose monitoring. Teaching patients to think about trends, rather than absolute points in order to treat their diabetes is also a challenge, according to Einhorn.
Time and product reimbursement is “a multi-step process and partnership.” He suggested using time wisely by limiting physician time to the review of the printed out record and implementing the system in motivated, insulin-requiring patients.
“The real issue of reimbursement is to be sure there is access for the patients who need it. We’re working on it,” he said. “Do not let them put a wall up in front of you when you use this technology.” – by Stacey L. Adams
For more information:
- Hellman R, Bode BW, Einhorn D, Wilson D. AACE/JDRF joint scientific forum. Translating hope into reality: continuous glucose sensoring. Presented at: the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 17th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress; May 14-18, 2008; Orlando, Fla.