56th Virtual EASD Meeting Highlights

According to the research study presented at the 56th virtual European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), held from 21-25th of September 2020, suggest that “real-time continuous glucose monitors (rt-CGM) can contribute to improving blood sugar control in people with type 1 diabetes whether they use an insulin pump or multiple daily injections (MDI).”

Now, you might be wondering what this EASD is and why its research has been quoted here. Well, let me clear this up. EASD is a non-profit medical-scientific association that expects to empower and support researchers and advancement in the field of diabetes. This esteemed affiliation has probably the biggest number of members, roughly 5000, including scientists, physicians, students, allied health professionals, nurses, postdocs, and fellows. Not just that, EASD holds its yearly meeting in different European cities, that is attended by more than 15000 delegates from 130+ regions. The scientific gathering incorporates around 1200 talks and presentations on the most recent advancements and researches in the diabatic field.

Recently EASD held its 56th annual meeting that was conducted virtually (online) due to COVID 19. It occurred from Tuesday, 22 – Friday, 25 September 2020. In this meeting, many innovative research projects and life-changing studies have been presented that depicts how technological advances will bring a huge difference in the world of diabetes in the near future. 

Now let’s discuss some of the most interesting research studies that were presented in the last EASD meeting (September 2020).

A new CGM-Guardian Sensor 4-By Medtronic

Medtronic has announced a new continuous glucose monitor (CGM), Guardian Sensor 4. Although it is still under the design phase, Medtronic aims to distinguish it from Guardian Sensor 3 in the following ways;

• More accuracy for low sensor sugar measurements
• No calibration requirement-No need for fingerstick calibration of CGM will greatly enhance the user experience
• Non-adjunctive indication-This means that the users will be able to take their insulin doses on the basis of their CGM readings alone rather than using a meter to recheck and confirm the glucose levels.

This advanced CGM will be a part of Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G system, which is a second-generation automated insulin delivery (AID) system that will be launched soon in Europe. One of its biggest strengths is that it will check the insulin levels every five minutes and can deliver the correction boluses automatically. Isn’t it extraordinary? This can be a major gift for diabetes patients.

Omnipod Horizon System is about to launch

Omnipod horizon is an automated insulin delivery system that will integrate the Omnipod 5 patch pump with a continuous glucose monitor that will predict the glucose levels and the required insulin doses. The Omnipod horizon will first be available with Dexcom G6 and then with Freestyle Libre 2. 

In addition, the Omnipod horizon’s glucose management system will be controlled via mobile application (through a specialized device for people who do not have smartphones). The purpose is to make the system more simple, easy, and consumer-friendly with alarms and adjustable glucose targets, especially people who are new to AID can easily adapt through it, Its trials are completed and will be presented in February 2021. The system will be all ready to go before July 2021.

Effectiveness of CGM for the people with diabetes-Statistical evidence

Several sessions and posters in EASD 2020 illustrated the statistical evidence regarding the effectiveness of CGM in managing diabetes and improving quality of life for children, adolescents, and adults.

The data shows that CGM reduced the time participants spent with hyperglycemia (glucose levels above 180 mg/dl) and hypoglycemia, says Dr Hood Thabit.

Besides that, Dr Addie Fortmann and Dr Bill Polonsky conducted an online survey for 302 participants using Dexcom G5 and G6. Their study findings showed that CGM has greatly improved the A1C levels and reduced the severe hypoglycemia episodes. Therefore the majority of the users’ quality of life has greatly been improved than ever before.

Roche’s promising diabetes management platforms 

Roche, one of the biggest contributors in the world of digital health, showcased several of its diabetes management tools such as the integrated personal diabetes management (iPDM) platform, their Glycolytics app, the Accu-Chek SugarView app, and their RocheDiabetes InsulinStart service.

The iPDM platform coalesces the patients’ diabatic data with their medical record and treatment regimen. In fact, it has included a remote monitoring system that senses the patients’ trends of blood glucose levels and alerts their healthcare provider in case of adversities. It also allows direct communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

Roches Glycolytic app is additionally a promising tool for people with diabetes as this app will work to integrate the data from a blood glucose meter, Fitbit activity tracker, health professionals, and medical records, using a specialized algorithm to predict the patient’s ‘nighttime hypoglycemia and post-meal glucose’ levels. This will greatly be used to pre-empt potential complications and hypoglycemia episodes.

Aside from this, Roche has contributed to provide diabetes care at the districts where medical care access is limited. Accu-Chek SugarView application permits its clients to take a photo of their Accu-Chek test strip and upload it to the application. They are then provided with the information to make them understand their glucose readings and factors that are affecting their glucose levels. Accu-Chek sugar view is currently available in India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, and Mexico.

RocheDiabetes InsulinStart service is a program that is designed to promote compliance to the people who are transitioned from oral glycemic to insulin therapy. The system sends text messages and reminders to check their glucose levels. As per the user’s readings, insulin doses are determined automatically.

To sum up, the EASD’s 56 meetings held last month showed highly innovative studies that are considered promising for the future of CGMs and the patients with diabetes. Let us know what did you find interesting? Share with us your thoughts, comments, and feedback and do share this valuable piece of information with your friends, family, and social circle.

Have a good day!

NJaP Team