March 6th 2024.
Attention all individuals living with Type 2 Diabetes, there is some exciting news on the horizon! Dexcom, a leading medical device company, has developed a new over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor, called Stelo. This revolutionary device is set to gain FDA approval for online availability by the summer of 2024.
The announcement was made by Dexcom on March 5th, as reported by CNBC. Stelo is specifically designed for individuals with Type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin for treatment. The best part? A doctor's prescription is not required to obtain this monitor, making it more accessible for those without insurance coverage.
For those unfamiliar, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are small sensors that track glucose levels through the skin. This provides patients with real-time information throughout the day, which can be easily accessed on their phones. With this valuable information, users can better understand and manage their health, and even notify their loved ones or doctors if any concerns arise. The expanded availability of CGMs through this FDA clearance is a huge step forward in empowering more Americans to stay on top of their diabetes diagnosis.
In a press release, Dr. Jeff Shuren, the director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, highlighted the importance of this achievement for health equity. He stated, "CGMs can be a powerful tool to help monitor blood glucose. Today's clearance expands access to these devices by allowing individuals to purchase a CGM without the involvement of a healthcare provider. Giving more individuals valuable information about their health, regardless of their access to a doctor or health insurance, is an important step forward in advancing health equity for U.S. patients."
This news is especially significant for people of color, as Type 2 Diabetes is most prevalent in ethnic and racial minorities. According to Northwestern Medicine, Black adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with this condition than their white counterparts. With this new medical advancement by Dexcom, those who are often disadvantaged in the healthcare industry will now have access to cutting-edge resources.
Individuals 18 years and older can wear the Stelo for up to 15 days, and an accompanying app provides updates on glucose measurements and trends every 15 minutes. While further details on its price and in-store availability are yet to be announced, one thing is for sure - this advancement is a promising step towards improving the lives of those living with Type 2 Diabetes.
In light of the ongoing pandemic and its impact on diabetes rates, this news is even more crucial. Medical experts are concerned about the rise in diabetes cases post-pandemic, making the availability of resources like the Stelo even more critical. So, let's celebrate this milestone achievement and look forward to a future where managing diabetes is more accessible and convenient for everyone.
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