Dexcom Advances CGM Technology with 15-Day Sensor, Pushes for Broader Type 2 Diabetes Coverage

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) leader Dexcom is making significant strides in extending sensor wear time and expanding coverage for people with Type 2 diabetes. The company recently unveiled data on its new 15-day G7 sensor at the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) conference, while also presenting survey results that underscore the growing support for CGM use in Type 2 diabetes management.

Extended Wear and Improved Accuracy

Dexcom's Chief Operating Officer, Jake Leach, revealed that the company has submitted an application to the FDA for a 15-day version of its G7 continuous glucose monitor. This extended-wear sensor builds upon the success of Stelo, Dexcom's over-the-counter CGM launched last year.

The new G7 sensor boasts impressive accuracy, with data presented at ATTD showing a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8% when compared to blood glucose readings. This metric positions the 15-day G7 as potentially the most accurate CGM on the market.

Leach anticipates FDA approval in the second quarter of 2023, with a potential launch in the latter half of the year. "Assuming approval here sometime in Q2, that would allow us to launch the product in the second half of the year," Leach stated.

Expanding CGM Access for Type 2 Diabetes

Dexcom is also pushing for broader CGM adoption in Type 2 diabetes management. The company presented results from a survey of 664 healthcare providers across six countries, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and the UK. The survey revealed strong support for CGM use in Type 2 diabetes:

• 50% of respondents believe CGMs should be the standard of care for all people with Type 2 diabetes, regardless of insulin use.
• 96% supported CGM use for individuals taking multiple daily insulin injections.

Leach emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, "The vast majority of people with diabetes, two-thirds at least, don't treat their diabetes with insulin. And so in most countries, they don't have access to CGM."

Coverage and Market Access

While CGM coverage is improving, significant gaps remain. In the United States, Leach noted that about a third of people with diagnosed diabetes now have coverage for CGM. Some private insurers are leading the way in covering CGM for non-insulin users, with the two largest pharmacy benefit managers now including CGM in their plans.

Internationally, coverage varies widely. Leach highlighted France as an example where insulin users have good access to CGM, but the majority of people with Type 2 diabetes still lack coverage.

Dexcom continues to work towards expanding coverage, with Leach stating, "We're on the verge of better coverage. It improves every year. But there's still a long way to go."