October 22, 2014 |

FDA approves remote mobile device for glucose monitoring

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a remote mobile communications device used in conjunction with a continuous glucose monitoring system.

The CGM Dexcom SHARE, developed by San Diego-based Dexcom Inc., is an accessory to the company's G4 PLATINUM continuous glucose monitoring system.

According to a press release, the Dexcom SHARE uses a secure wireless connection to transmit glucose levels to the smartphones of up to five designated persons or "followers" who can monitor the glucose levels and receive alerts via their Apple iPhones or iPod Touch devices.

Lori Laffel, MD, MPH, Chief of the Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Section at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, added: "Continuous glucose monitoring offers a unique opportunity for patients with diabetes to aim for glucose levels close to the reference range found in persons without diabetes. The ability to share the continuous glucose data remotely, to almost any location, is a remarkable advance."

Says Terrance H. Gregg, CEO of Dexcom: "Dexcom SHARE represents a significant advance in diabetes care by allowing people with diabetes to share important glucose information with their loved ones from afar.”

The new device comes with a docking cradle that also serves as a battery charger and Bluetooth connectivity.