Alphabet partners with DexCom to develop small disposable continuous glucose monitoring devices

Current models of glucometers usually the size of mobile phones are about to get smaller with plans by Alphabet, the erstwhile Google, to develop disposable continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGMs). The tech giant entered into an agreement with DexCom to come up with smaller and less expensive glucometers.

The development of new technologies that Alphabet commits to move health care from reactive to proactive, says Andrew Conrad, head of life sciences team of the search firm. It would expand monitoring options and make it easier for diabetics to manage their health proactively, reports Mashable.

The device that the life sciences team has in mind would use a bandage-sized sensor connected to the cloud. Life Sciences is also developing contact lens that could sense glucose levels.

Current glucometers, which uses finger-prick technology, only provide a single glucose reader. There are actually CGMs in the market that provide up to 288 glucose readings daily, or one every five minutes that allow the diabetic to monitor if their sugar level is going up, down or is stable, reports Endocrineweb. It also spares patients from painful finger pricks to draw blood samples. However, the current models, like the finger-prick glucometers, are also bulky and costly at $70 to $75 which lasts only one week.

Hope Warshaw, a dietitian and diabetes educator, welcomed the partnership between DexCom and Alphabet, pointing out that “Diabetes management is a 24/7, 365 extra curricula job for people and caretaker. Any tools that can make management easier is a plus.”

However, while the smaller and slimmer CGMs is expected to be ready within two to three years, it would be available in the market in five years.

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