Experts opinion: implantable continuous glucose monitoring system - innovation in the management of diabetes

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have revolutionized the treatment and monitoring of diabetes. These devices are recommended for diabetic patients treated with insulin, especially with recurring episodes of hypoglycemia or large circadian variation of glucose levels. CGM allows more effective adjustment of insulin doses to blood glucose trends, resulting in better metabolic control: more time spend in glucose target range, lower time spend in hypoglycemic range, lower glucose variability and improved quality of life of patients and their family members. Real time CGM provides patients not only with continuous information on glucose levels but also alerts for hypo- or hyperglycemic events. Traditional transcutaneous CGM have some limitations, which can be resolved by the system with an implantable sensor. The Eversense CGM is the only long-term implantable rtCGM. The subcutaneous implantation procedure has proved to be simple and uncomplicated. This CGM system can be recommended in particular for patients who, due to their profession and sports discipline, cannot or do not want to use traditional transcutaneous sensors. Further groups are patients with skin complications associated with the use of traditional sensors, people who perceive frequent sensor replacement as a burden or would benefit from on-body vibration alerts. The studies showed that the patients were satisfied with Eversense, and the majority used it several times after the study ended. The main reason for resigning from the next implantation was cost of the device.