Top diabetes device news of 2019: ‘digiceuticals,’ interoperable devices, insurance coverage and more
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In 2019, Healio readers were interested in advancements in design and regulation of devices and apps that can work alone or together to help manage diabetes. Insurance coverage for diabetes devices and finding the right device for individuals with diabetes remain issues.
As diabetes technologies advance, matching patients to the ‘right’ device challenges providers
As new devices and updates for older technologies enter the market, endocrinologists, diabetes care and education specialists, and other providers can find themselves overwhelmed. Providers must find the best way to navigate available options and connect patients with the “right” devices for their specific needs.
Insulin patch proves effective for adults with type 2 diabetes
An insulin patch can safely provide similarly effective glycemic management in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with a standard insulin pen.
FDA grants breakthrough device designation for personalized, closed-loop insulin pump
In February, the FDA granted breakthrough device designation to a personalized, closed-loop system being developed by Medtronic to automate insulin delivery in a real-time, adaptable way while also providing predictive diagnostics unique to the individual.
Hybrid closed-loop insulin system well tolerated, effective for lowering HbA1c
A retrospective chart review of adults with type 1 diabetes who used the Medtronic MiniMed 670G revealed generally favorable experiences with the technology as well as improvements in HbA1c.
‘Digiceuticals,’ new CGM devices, HbA1c alternatives transform diabetes management
The growing abundance of technology options for better diabetes management and the trend away from HbA1c as the only evaluation metric for the condition are important parallel phenomena.
FDA approves interoperable insulin pump under new regulatory pathway
In February, the FDA approved marketing of the Tandem Diabetes Care t:Slim X2 insulin pump, the first insulin pump with interoperable technology for children and adults with diabetes and the first device to be classified under a new de novo premarket review pathway.
FDA clears second interoperable insulin pump
In September, the FDA cleared Insult to market its tubeless Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System as an integrated insulin pump, allowing it to be part of an interoperable, automated insulin delivery system.
Organizations urge UnitedHealthcare to reverse insulin pump policy for children
In June, three leading endocrinology and diabetes advocacy groups called on UnitedHealthcare to reconsider a new policy decision that extends Medtronic’s preferred position in insulin pumps to children as young as age 7 years. In February, UnitedHealthcare announced that it was no longer covering all brands of insulin pumps for children.
Technology snags may limit adoption of current hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system
Nearly one-third of participants in a study of first-time users of an “artificial pancreas” stopped using the system within a few months, primarily because of difficulties with the technology.
Health disparities limit access to diabetes technology
Technology access should be a right for all people with type 1 diabetes and not just for those with private insurance.