Glucose monitoring has dramatically transformed over the years, revolutionising how people with diabetes manage their condition. From basic urine tests to sophisticated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, these advancements have empowered individuals with diabetes to better understand and control their blood glucose levels. Now, with the arrival of the Dexcom G7 in Malta, a new chapter has begun for diabetes management. This article explores the history of glucose monitoring, the benefits of modern CGM devices, and how the Dexcom G7 is making a difference in Malta today.
The Early Days of Blood Sugar Testing
The earliest glucose monitoring methods were primitive by today’s standards. In the late 19th century, doctors used urine tests to estimate blood glucose levels, a method that lacked precision. These tests could indicate if glucose was present, but they couldn’t measure specific levels of blood sugar.
While this method gave some insight, it wasn’t effective for daily diabetes management. It wasn’t until the development of finger-prick blood tests in the 1970s that diabetes monitoring began to improve significantly.
The Rise of Finger-Prick Blood Glucose Tests
In the 1970s and 80s, portable blood glucose meters became available, allowing people to measure their blood glucose levels at home. This was a significant breakthrough, giving individuals more control over their diabetes.
However, this method involved frequent finger pricks, which were uncomfortable and only provided a snapshot of glucose levels at a specific moment in time. This limitation made it hard for users to understand the bigger picture of how their blood sugar levels fluctuated throughout the day.
The Introduction of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
The 1990s saw the introduction of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, a major leap forward in diabetes care. Instead of relying on periodic finger pricks, CGM systems continuously measured glucose levels throughout the day, providing real-time data. Early CGM devices were large and often required calibration with finger-prick tests, but they laid the foundation for more advanced technology to come.
Why Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a Game Changer
CGM systems offer a wealth of benefits compared to traditional blood glucose meters. Rather than just providing individual data points, CGM tracks glucose trends over time, helping people understand how their body reacts to food, exercise, and other factors. Modern CGM devices can send alerts when blood sugar levels are too high or too low, giving users the opportunity to take action before a problem escalates.
Dexcom and Its Influence on CGM Technology
Dexcom has been at the forefront of CGM innovation since its early products were released in the early 2000s. The company’s first-generation CGM device helped establish CGM as a viable alternative to traditional monitoring methods. Over the years, Dexcom continued to refine its technology, producing increasingly accurate and user-friendly devices. The Dexcom G6, which was released in 2018, became one of the most popular CGM systems on the market, praised for its accuracy and ease of use.
The Dexcom G7: A Revolution in Glucose Monitoring
The Dexcom G7 is the latest and most advanced CGM device from Dexcom, and it’s now available in Malta. The G7 brings several improvements over its predecessors, offering even greater accuracy, a smaller sensor, and faster warm-up times. Users can now get reliable glucose readings just 30 minutes after applying the sensor, a significant improvement over older models, which took longer to warm up and start giving readings.
Key Features of the Dexcom G7
The Dexcom G7 stands out for several reasons:
- Smaller and more discreet: The G7 is 60% smaller than the G6, making it more comfortable to wear and less noticeable under clothing.
- Faster warm-up: The G7 sensor only takes 30 minutes to warm up and start delivering accurate readings, compared to the two hours required by previous models.
- Improved accuracy: The G7 provides more reliable data, which is crucial for better diabetes management. With a MARD of 8.2%, Dexcom G7 is the most accurate CGM system available (Dexcom Data on File 2022)
- Integration with smart devices: The G7 seamlessly connects with compatible smartphones and smartwatches, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels in real-time through Dexcom’s mobile app. Users can now also connect directly with their Apple Watch and leave their phones at home whilst still enjoying the full features of the system.
- Customisable alerts: Users can set alarms to warn them if their glucose levels are trending too high or too low, providing an added layer of safety.
Dexcom G7 in Malta: Availability and Benefits
The availability of the Dexcom G7 in Malta is a major win for people with diabetes. Malta’s healthcare system is working towards making cutting-edge technology accessible, and the Dexcom G7 represents the future of diabetes management. The device is already available through ATG and the NHS for eligible patients (Type 1s on insulin), and its integration with Maltese healthcare is a positive step towards helping individuals manage diabetes more effectively.
The Impact of the Dexcom G7 on Diabetes Management in Malta
The Dexcom G7 has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people with diabetes in Malta. By providing real-time glucose data and predictive alerts, the G7 helps users maintain tighter control over their glucose levels, reducing the risk of dangerous highs and lows. This not only improves quality of life but also reduces the likelihood of long-term complications related to diabetes. Having easy access to real-time CGM data helps you make better food, activity, and medication decisions in the moment so you can better manage your glucose and achieve results like lower A1C and more time in range. (Beck RW, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. 3 Beck RW, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374. 4 Martens T, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272. 5 Laffel LM, et al. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2388-2396. 6 Welsh JB, et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol)
Embracing the Future of Glucose Monitoring in Malta
In a world where technology is increasingly transforming healthcare, the Dexcom G7 isn’t just the latest advancement; it’s a glimpse into the future of diabetes care — a future where managing blood glucose is simpler, smarter, and more connected than ever before. Whether you’re new to CGM or considering an upgrade, the Dexcom G7 offers a glimpse into what’s possible today, and what’s coming next in the journey towards better health.