According to Frost & Sullivan, the diabetes monitoring market is currently valued at $10.71 billion, and is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% to reach $14.68 billion in 2022. Read about the latest advances and innovations.
Commonly Used Blood Glucose Monitoring Techniques
Diabetes monitoring involves measuring and logging blood glucose levels, analyzing the information, and sharing it with care providers who provide personalized support to cope with the disease. According to Frost & Sullivan, the diabetes monitoring market is currently valued at $10.71 billion, and is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% to reach $14.68 billion in 2022. This market consists of two major sub-segments: self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
The finger-prick test, also called SMBG, is the most common technique used for measurement of blood glucose levels; however, it is painful and inconvenient, which could hinder regular testing and affect diabetes management. Another technique gaining wider acceptance is the CGM, in which a sensor linked to a CGM device is placed under a patient’s skin but not into the bloodstream. The sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (ISF). Though it is less invasive than the finger-prick test, its accuracy is dependent on the equilibrium of glucose levels between ISF and blood, which accounts for a time delay in the measurement and hence requires frequent recalibration using the finger-pricking test. CGM does not replace the traditional SMBG technique as it also requires measurement of blood sugar with a regular glucose meter a few times a day. Moreover, sweat, temperature changes, and electrostatic noise can affect its accuracy.
Technology Advancements Focus on Improving Patient Convenience and Becoming Integrated Devices
Innovations in the glucose monitoring space are making devices smaller and more convenient. New semi-invasive, implant, and noninvasive approaches are being developed. Various avenues to provide data analytics and care delivery support using glucose and other data (e.g., food intake) are becoming available. Some of these innovations are described below.
Finger Pricks
Until other forms of glucose monitoring become readily available and less expensive, traditional finger-prick monitors will remain in wide use. Advancements in this area are focusing on patient convenience and integration. Some of innovations are described below:
Semi-Invasive Monitors
Semi-invasive technology comprises a hypodermic needle inserted to a level where capillaries are abundant but nerve endings are scarce. This transdermal or subcutaneous insertion often has the sensor component sticking on the surface, or has through-the-skin or skin-adhered components. This device is designed to automatically obtain and analyze series of static blood samples over a period of time. It involves minimal pain and requires limited user intervention. Several devices that are still in the approval and commercialization stages in the United States have the potential to overcome challenges posed by the finger-prick test and the traditional CGM monitoring, which may be less accurate and requires recalibration using the finger-prick method. Devices also may connect with a wearable insulin pump for closed-loop blood glucose control. Solutions include FiberSense from EyeSense, Eversense from Sensionics, and FreeStyle Libre from Abbott Laboratories.
Implants
Implants are touted to be more precise and have longer lives than semi-invasive sensors. Fully implanted sensors last for several months, while semi-invasive sensors last about a week. A physician surgically implants a sensor using a delivery system at an insertion site. Inaccurate readings due to external sensor movements are eliminated. EyeSense, Glysens, Profusa, and Optiscan are among the companies developing products.
Non-Invasive Monitors
Non-invasive monitoring technologies that are under development include:
Innovative Smart, Connected Monitors to Improve Care Delivery Support
Knowing glucose levels is no longer sufficient; maintaining and sharing records with care providers, understanding the data, and making informed decisions is necessary to better manage diabetes. Smart, connected monitors are helping patients easily share their glucose level logs with providers.
For example, YOFiMeter is developing an integrated blood glucose monitor with a patented lancet cassette system. It uses cellular networks, at no cost to the patient, to instantly transmit data to the cloud. Sharing software allows healthcare practitioners to access real-time information for decision support during remote and in-person visits. Value-added features include a glucometer that also functions as a pedometer, and the ability to attach voice notes to readings for future reference.
Visiomed Group’s BewellConnect uses a series of connected devices including a thermometer, weighing scale, ECG, and oximeter, for health assessments. Diabetics have two options: a dongle to connect their existing glucose monitors or a connected glucose monitor. All logs and readings are automatically transferred to the connected smartphone app. Users can track their health data on the app and make queries to the artificial intelligence-enabled BewellCheck-up system to evaluate results. In emergencies or for serious health concerns, users can connect with registered doctors through the MyDoc service to get instant medical advice.
What’s the Future?
Other products that are being developed focus on allowing providers to collect glucose level logs from patients regardless of monitoring device. Future research will be directed toward real-time synchronization with patients’ blood glucose monitoring devices to get instant updates and alerts for those requiring immediate medical intervention.
Copyright © 2017 Frost & Sullivan