Dexcom Share - Remote Monitoring System

Dexcom has an earnings release call this week to discuss Q3 results and hopefully they will give another update on how they are progressing on their new programs. One new program that sounds really exciting is there remote monitoring system called Dexcom Share. 

In July 2013, Dexcom filed for FDA approval of the Dexcom Share remote monitoring system for the G4 Platinum CGM (continuous glucose monitor). These type of approvals typically take at least 180 days, so if it is approved, expectations are that the product could launch sometime in early to mid-2014. 

The Dexcom Share system can send CGM data to up to five designated recipients via the internet. How convenient would it be as a parent to always know how your child's blood sugars are trending!  This also would have been really cool to have when I played sports, I could have sent my readings to a trainer on the sidelines. I am sure nurses and doctors would also really appreciate the ability to have blood sugars sent though the internet to monitor patients. 

HOW IT WORKS:  "The G4 Platinum receiver will plug into a Dexcom Share docking cradle. The Share cradle (plugged into a power outlet) will both charge the receiver and transmit CGM data every five minutes to a nearby iPhone or iPod touch via Bluetooth. The Dexcom Share app on the nearby smartphone will receive the CGM data and send it up to the internet. Once there, the data can be shared with up to five people." 

Patients will be able to invite individuals to receive their CGM data by sending an invitation from the Share app on their iPhone (Android is in development). Those invited will download another app called ‘Dexcom Follow’. These followers will then be able to receive alerts for high and low glucose, and view glucose trends on demand. This would be welcome news for parents and partners, who often watch glucose numbers even more aggressively than patients.  

Notifications will be completely programmable and only receive certain notifications like low blood sugars.  I wonder if I would want someone watching my blood sugars and judging my diabetes performance outside of a professional? Would I want my wife to be able to monitor/know my blood sugars on a day to day basis, probably not.  However, I am an adult and wouldn't use this system for that reason, but if I was sick, it might be helpful to have notifications sent to my wife as a precautionary measure.  Overall, I think this system is revolutionary and continues to push forward to new frontiers of diabetes management.