Despite the advancements in medicine, technological innovations, and new medications, it is surprising that diabetes is still largely underdiagnosed. Can a new wave of sensing technology revolutionize the current paradigm?
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Over the past three decades, the number of individuals living with diabetes has skyrocketed from 200 million to over 800 million in 2022. What is even more staggering is that nearly half of the world’s diabetic population remains undiagnosed. A simple blood test could change that.
A recent study examining two decades of data from 200 countries uncovered a shocking reality: 44% of individuals aged 15 and above with diabetes were undiagnosed. Young adults were particularly vulnerable to late diagnosis, putting them at risk for long-term complications. This delay can lead to significant harm, with a third to two-thirds of patients with type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, experiencing complications at the time of diagnosis.
Three years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a target: diagnose 80% of individuals with diabetes by 2030. However, research indicates that global progress in the last two decades has only improved by 8.3%. Achieving this goal seems more challenging than ever at this rate.
Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing complications, but effective treatment is equally important. The same study revealed that only 21% of diabetic individuals achieved the desired glucose balance.
A change is necessary, and perhaps, it has arrived.
The FDA recently approved a novel Continuous Glucose Monitoring device: Biolinq’s wearable sensor, Shine, received the prestigious De Novo Classification from the agency. This marks a significant achievement for the company, which secured $100 million dollar in Series C funding last quarter.
The small sensor differentiates itself from competitors in terms of target audience, technology, and user engagement. Geared towards non-insulin dependent diabetics, Biolinq provides direct real-time visualization of glucose levels without the need for an app: users can simply check the color of the patch—blue indicates the glucose is within range, while yellow signals an imbalance. Additional information can be accessed through the app, but the body’s status becomes visibly apparent on the skin.
According to Biolinq, their electrochemical sensor array is up to 20 times shallower than other sensors, allowing for minimal discomfort without compromising accuracy. The FDA’s approval of this innovative blue-and-yellow patch is likely just the beginning. The global Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) market is forecasted to grow from a $5.9 billion valuation in 2024 to $13.6 billion by 2034, with major players like Dexcom, Abbott, and Medtronic expanding their presence.
Nevertheless, living with a continuous monitoring device for a chronic condition carries its own emotional and psychological burden. Constantly being aware of one’s fluctuating metabolic state can provide valuable insights for making healthier choices, but it can also be overwhelming or exhausting. Behavioral research is essential to strike a balance between monitoring and avoiding excessive monitoring.
