The rise and rise of continuous glucose monitoring(CGM) systems.

The value of world diabetes treatment market is estimated at USD 92.97 Billions and continuous glucose monitoring(CGM) is becoming one of the fastest growing subsectors of that market. This is due to rising number of people with diabetes worldwide. Approximately 537?million adults?(20-79 years) are living with diabetes and the number is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030. There is also a number of non diabetic people monitoring their glucose level. It is for that reason that a lot of companies have being investing in this sector.

Novo Nordisk has just announced that they are in exclusive talks to buy?French medical device company Biocorp. Novo Nordisk which was voted one of the Times magazine's top 100 companies for 2023 and is one of the leading companies in diabetes market. The company supply blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Rybelsus, approved in 2018 and 2019 to treat type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, which was approved in 2021 to treat obesity.

Medtronic received a CE mark for its Simplera continuous glucose monitor, bringing a challenger to Abbott and Dexcom devices in the European Union. Simplera, is the successor to the Guardian 4 sensor.

Who are the leading players in the market?

The three most active are Abbott, Dexcom and Medtronic and Novo Nordisk is not far behind. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre is a clear market leader but others are not that far behind. The FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 18 and older. It is designed to replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions. The System detects trends and tracks patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments. Interpretation of the System readings should be based on the glucose trends and several sequential readings over time. The System is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription.

Dexcom is close second and the company is a pure play, focusing exclusively on glucose monitoring. Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night and can alert you if your levels go too low or when you’re high. It measures your glucose level at regular intervals, as frequently as every 5 minutes, and translates the readings into easy-to-read data and insights. It can also show the direction your glucose is heading and how fast. Medtronic has strong and growing continuous glucose monitoring portfolio connected to its Carelink system.

What is the state of CGM in South Africa?

According to Discovery, Members who are registered for type 1 diabetes on the Chronic Illness Benefit have cover for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) based on their health plan's benefits. Basically all plans qualify except for KeyCare plans. To qualify for cover, you have to be registered for type?1 diabetes on the Chronic Illness Benefit and a CGM network doctor has to prescribe the device. Discovery is the biggest medical aid the market, so this will include a good number of members.

Dischem has Dexcom G6 Transmitter with listed price of R?1,472.00 and receiver at R 4,600. Skin Grip CGM Patches for Freestyle Libre (20-Pack), Waterproof & Sweatproof for 10-14 Days, Pre-Cut Adhesive Tape, Continuous Glucose Monitor Protection(Black) is about R 2,900.

It is not clear how many people use CGM in South Africa but based on the cost, the number will be low. It is estimated that 4,2 million South Africans are living with diabetes so there definitely a need.