Dexcom’s Remote Glucose Monitoring Device Approved

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Dexcom Share, San Diego, Calif.-based Dexcom Inc.’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remote mobile communications device. It is an accessory for the Dexcom G4 Platinum CGM system, and uses a secure wireless connection to transmit the glucose levels of a person with diabetes to the smartphones of up to five designated recipients, or “followers.” These followers can remotely monitor a patient’s glucose information and receive alert notifications via their Apple iPhone or iPod touch. Currently, the technology is only compatible with Apple devices.

“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,” said CEO Terrance H. Gregg. “With Dexcom Share, users, parents and personal caregivers now have a new tool to dramatically improve how they communicate about their diabetes.”

The Share system consists of a of a small cradle device in which the Dexcom G4 Platinum is docked. The cradle also functions as a battery charger for the receiver and must be connected to an electrical outlet. The cradle is equipped with Bluetooth technology, which enables the wireless communication. The Dexcom Share app uploads glucose data to a secure server.

“Continuous glucose monitoring offers a unique opportunity for patients with diabetes to aim for glucose levels close to the reference range found in persons without diabetes,” said Lori Laffel, M.D., M.P.H., chief of the pediatric, adolescent and young adult section, Joslin Diabetes Center, in Boston, Mass. “The ability to share the continuous glucose 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.”