FDA approves remote mobile communications device for CGM

Issue: November 2014

Dexcom Inc. recently announced that the FDA has granted approval for its continuous glucose monitoring remote mobile communications device, Dexcom SHARE, according to a company release.

The device, which is an accessory to the Dexcom G4 PLATINUM continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, uses a wireless connection to send glucose levels of a person with diabetes to the smartphones of up to five people. Glucose information can be monitored by these people and alert notifications can be sent.

“Dexcom SHARE represents a significant advance in diabetes care by allowing people with diabetes to share important glucose information with their loved ones from afar,” Terrance H. Gregg, CEO of Dexcom, said in the release. “With Dexcom SHARE, users, parents and personal caregivers now have a new tool to dramatically improve how they communicate about their diabetes.”

According to the release, the device consists of a small cradle that docks the Dexcom D4 PLATINUM system. The cradle is equipped with Bluetooth technology enabling the wireless transmission through a Dexcom SHARE app onto the patient’s Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. Data are uploaded to a secure server so personal caregivers and parents can remotely receive notifications on their Apple devices.

“[CGM] offers a unique opportunity for patients with diabetes to aim for glucose levels close to the reference range found in persons without diabetes,” Lori Laffel, MD, MPH, chief of the pediatric, adolescent and young adult section at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, said in the release. “The ability to share the continuous data remotely, to almost any location, is a remarkable advance. This new device should help patients, families and care providers succeed with their overall efforts to improve diabetes control and prevent both short-term and long-term complications while preserving quality of life for patients with diabetes and their family members.”