Report highlights emerging diabetes technologies

A new report has highlighted the emerging technologies that are being used to help monitor glucose levels for those with diabetes. 

The report - Technologies for Diabetes Management 2017-2027: Forecasts, Players, Opportunities - from technology analyst IDTechEx Research states that traditional ways of glucose self-monitoring have been done using disposable biosensors and invasive sampling techniques.  

The market, which is worth approximately $12 billion, is seeing decreasing products due to changing government reimbursement models putting strain on consumers and manufacturers. 

Now new markets for glucose self-monitoring are emerging. The report highlights technologies such as continuous glucose monitors, smart insulin pens and early diagnosis methods.

Continuous glucose monitors are referenced as being adopted by people across Europe and North America. The technology consists of a wearable sensor and receiver. The sensor sits under the skin and records glucose levels at regular intervals, transmitting the data to the receiver, which can often be a smartphone. 

The report goes on to say how long-term monitoring solutions will help create an artificial pancreas - a device that can monitor glucose levels and administer insulin accordingly.

Key areas of the research highlight how emerging technologies can aid the early detection of diabetes, helping to prevent long hospital stays and other complications. More so the industry is seeing start-ups, backed by pharmaceutical companies, adding sensors and connectivity to insulin pens to unlock analytical tools.