European Market Report for Continuous Glucose Monitoring 2016 - MedCore

European Market Report for Continuous Glucose Monitoring 2016 - MedCore

The European CGM market comprises the CGM system segment and the CGM sensor segment. The business model for CGM is similar to traditional blood glucose meters, where the CGM system is the base equipment and the majority of sales are made from the disposable sensor component, which is replaced every three to seven days depending on the manufacturer. The CGM market is still considered to be in its infancy, but the disposable sensors will be the most important revenue generator as the technology gains further acceptance.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows for a more accurate reading of how blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day by measuring interstitial glucose levels on a continuous basis and estimating blood glucose levels based on these readings.

The CGM system is typically made up of three components: a glucose sensor, transmitter and receiver. The sensor is inserted under the skin into the interstitial fluid and held with an adhesive. Sensors are typically sold in groups of four and are labeled for three to seven days of use, depending on the manufacturer. A transmitter takes the glucose reading from the sensor and wirelessly sends it to a small, hand-held receiver. If glucose levels are too low or high, the receiver warns the patient. Some manufacturers have even built-in a threshold audible alarm as a fixed safety feature when the patient approaches levels below 55 mg/dL, at which point the patient is still interactive but severely hypoglycemic.