The Eversense E3 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system from Senseonics is now approved for up to six months of continuous use with a sensor implanted under the skin, eliminating the need to change sensors any more frequently, according to an announcement from the company.
Most CGM systems use sensors that are partially inserted through the skin but adhere to the outside of the skin, most often on the upper arm. These sensors typically remain in place for up to 14 days. Potential downsides of traditional sensors include the need to change them every couple of weeks, the importance of making sure they stay well connected to the skin to avoid inaccurate readings, and the possibility of adhesive-related skin reactions or infections at the sensor site. The Eversense CGM system, on the other hand, uses a much smaller sensor that is fully implanted under the skin, along with a rechargeable transmitter that is worn on the outside of the skin over the implanted sensor. Because this transmitter is rechargeable and not physically connected to the sensor, these components don’t need to be discarded and replaced as often as with a traditional sensor-and-transmitter combination device.
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Eversense E3 sensors approved for up to six months
Before the latest approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Eversense CGM system was designed to use sensors that were implanted for up to three months by a health care provider. Now, the latest E3 version of the system is approved for use with sensors that are inserted for up to six months at a time.
“We repeatedly hear from our patients with diabetes that what they desire is a long-lasting sensor that is also highly accurate,” said Satish Garg, MD, a professor of medicine and director of the Adult Diabetes Program at the Barbara Davis Center of the University of Colorado, in the announcement from Senseonics. Garg was also the lead investigator for there study that led to the latest FDA approval. “Patients will appreciate the excellent accuracy of the system and the ability of the sensor to last 6 months,” Garg continued. “This is another step forward for patients who desire to manage their diabetes with all the advantages of the Eversense CGM with the fully implantable sensor.”
Other advantages of the Eversense CGM system, the company notes, include the fact that the transmitter is attached to the skin using a mild silicone-based adhesive, which can be changed daily while the transmitter is recharged — for example while you’re in the shower. The transmitter vibrates if it detects a high or low glucose reading, so you don’t need to feel or look at alerts on a handheld device to know that your glucose level is outside your target range. The transmitter also sends glucose readings to your smartphone every five minutes, where all readings are stored and managed using a mobile app.
If you’re interested in getting started on the Eversense CGM system, you should talk to your health care provider about the potential benefits and risks of using such a system. You can sign up on the Eversense website to find out when Eversense E3 becomes available, which is expected to be in the second quarter of 2022.
Want to learn more about CGM? Watch “Continuous Glucose Monitoring” and read “CGM for Diabetes.”