Advanced continuous glucose sensing technologies, skin-inserted sensors, digital skin patches, and various other innovative solutions have emerged in recent years to simplify diabetes management. In this article, we highlight the top companies paving the way towards developing the artificial pancreas and providing solutions to transform diabetes into a less visible condition.
Evolution from Ancient Practices to Modern Innovations
Diabetes has a long history, dating back centuries to ancient civilizations like China, India, and Greece. In India, the term “madhumeha” was coined to describe diabetes, referring to “honey urine” due to its sweetness. It wasn't until 1776 that the concentration of glucose in the urine of diabetic patients was measured by Matthew Dobson. Over a century later, in 1922, the first successful insulin injection was administered to a young patient named Leonard Thompson, marking a significant milestone in diabetes treatment.
Following the introduction of insulin, advancements in delivery methods continued to evolve. The 1980s saw the launch of the first blood glucose monitors for home use, with the insulin pen delivery system and external insulin pump soon to follow. As digital and connected technologies emerged, the diabetes technology market witnessed the rise of industry giants hesitant to embrace change.
It was only in the past 3-5 years that major diabetes companies, prompted by the active diabetes patient community and the #wearenotwaiting movement advocating for DIY artificial pancreas solutions, began to acknowledge the potential of connected health devices. This spurred a wave of innovation, with digital health startups challenging the conventional landscape with smartphone apps, digital patches, and other connected solutions.
Pioneering Companies in Digital Health Solutions for Diabetes Therapy and Monitoring
1) DexCom
Founded in 1999, DexCom, based in San Diego, has been at the forefront of developing continuous glucose sensing technologies. Their latest system, the Dexcom G6, eliminates the need for finger pricks or blood draws and received FDA approval in March 2018. By leveraging continuous glucose monitoring systems, DexCom empowers diabetics to monitor their blood sugar levels around the clock using a skin-inserted sensor.
2) Medtronic
Established in 1949, Medtronic has grown to become a global leader in medical technology, offering a wide range of healthcare solutions. Over the past 25 years, Medtronic has been dedicated to assisting individuals with diabetes. Their MiniMed 670G system represents a step towards developing an artificial pancreas, continuously monitoring blood sugar levels and automatically delivering insulin.
3) Abbott
Abbott Laboratories, founded in 1888, is renowned for its blood and glucose monitoring systems. Abbott's FreeStyle Libre wireless monitor utilizes flash technology and offers a novel approach to glucose monitoring by measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels. The company continues to innovate, with products like the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus enhancing diabetes management.
4) Novo Nordisk
With a history dating back to 1923, Novo Nordisk has been a prominent player in diabetes management. Their reusable connected insulin pen, NovoPen 6, represents a significant leap in diabetes care by enabling users to store and analyze their insulin dosage data. Novo Nordisk remains committed to expanding its connected pen portfolio and providing personalized treatment solutions.
5) Insulet
Founded in 2000, Insulet Corporation specializes in developing insulin infusion systems for individuals with diabetes. Their OmniPod Insulin Management System offers a unique alternative to traditional insulin delivery methods, combining a disposable insulin infusion device with a wireless personal diabetes manager for continuous insulin delivery.
6) Diabeloop
Established in 2015, Diabeloop aims to revolutionize diabetes treatment through innovative technological solutions. Their hybrid closed-loop system leverages real-time data analysis and smart algorithms to automate insulin dosing based on glucose levels and user inputs, providing a new level of precision in diabetes management.
7) Virta Health
Virta Health, headquartered in San Francisco, has set an ambitious goal of reversing type 2 diabetes in millions by 2025. Their holistic treatment approach focuses on reducing blood sugar levels, minimizing diabetes medication, and promoting weight loss through nutritional ketosis. By offering personalized coaching and physician supervision, Virta Health aims to transform diabetes management.
8) Nemaura
Nemaura, a UK-based biotech company, is dedicated to enhancing drug delivery systems, including innovative solutions for diabetes management. Their SugarBEAT CGM system features a non-invasive skin patch that extracts glucose from interstitial fluid, offering a painless alternative to traditional CGM systems. With ongoing advancements, Nemaura aims to receive regulatory approval for its device.
9) SiBionics
Sibionics, a health tech company, focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions for diabetes management, such as a continuous glucose sensor for real-time monitoring. By integrating biosensor technology with data analytics, SiBionics enables users to track glucose levels seamlessly, enhancing the daily management of blood sugar levels.
10) One Drop
Founded in 2015, New York-based One Drop offers a comprehensive diabetes management app that tracks insulin levels, medication effectiveness, dietary intake, and activity impact on blood sugar levels. By harnessing mobile computing and data science, One Drop delivers personalized insights and guidance based on individual health profiles.
11) BeatO Smart Glucometer
BeatO, established in 2015 and operating in India, provides a mobile platform to support diabetes management. In addition to their app, BeatO offers a smart glucometer that attaches to smartphones, enhancing portability and ease of use. With a team comprising individuals with diabetes, BeatO brings practical expertise to diabetes management solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?
Holistic medicine is a way to heal that examines the whole person instead of just the symptoms. It aids in the recovery of illness by promoting good health and preventing future ones.
Holistic medicine employs natural remedies like herbs, homeopathy, acupuncture, and surgery instead of using drugs and surgeries.
Holistic medicine includes lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, massage, and bodywork techniques.
Holistic medicine is sometimes called integrative medicine. This refers to the way that holistic medicine integrates all aspects (physical, mental and spiritual) into one comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention as well as early detection of diseases and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there are many causes for any condition. They look at the whole picture and consider genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and personal factors.
Holistic practitioners emphasize the mind and emotions more than the body.
Holistic physicians consult with their patients to help them determine the best option for them.
Is holistic health care equivalent to alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different than Alternative Medicine because it addresses the whole person rather than just symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person's health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn't address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Is holistic healing legitimate?
Yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. They can't treat all conditions. It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person's well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. But this is simply untrue. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
It wasn't until after the Middle Ages that medical doctors began to study anatomy. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Others find that exercise is essential for peak performance.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. Holistic healthcare focuses on the whole person, not just individual symptoms. This includes how they feel, what they eat and where they live.
Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life and treats them like a whole package. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
How To
What is it that a holistic doctor does that a conventional doctor doesn't do?
A holistic doctor offers more services than a traditional physician, such as a nutritionist and massage therapist, as well as naturopaths, homeopaths, and naturopaths.
Holistic doctors work with patients holistically. They look at each person's lifestyle and environment, and treat the root causes of any health problems, rather than treating the symptoms. They can identify the root causes of illness and take preventative and long-term measures to ensure their health. Holistic doctors may use alternative medicine, including essential oils and herbs. They also provide nutritional support and dietary advice to promote healthy living.
In addition, holistic doctors offer therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, craniosacral therapy, and many others.
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: berci.mesko
Title: Leading Diabetes Companies Advancing Towards the Artificial Pancreas
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/top-diabetes-companies
Published Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:15:10 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?
Holistic medicine is a way to heal that examines the whole person instead of just the symptoms. It aids in the recovery of illness by promoting good health and preventing future ones.
Holistic medicine employs natural remedies like herbs, homeopathy, acupuncture, and surgery instead of using drugs and surgeries.
Holistic medicine includes lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, massage, and bodywork techniques.
Holistic medicine is sometimes called integrative medicine. This refers to the way that holistic medicine integrates all aspects (physical, mental and spiritual) into one comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention as well as early detection of diseases and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there are many causes for any condition. They look at the whole picture and consider genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and personal factors.
Holistic practitioners emphasize the mind and emotions more than the body.
Holistic physicians consult with their patients to help them determine the best option for them.
Is holistic health care equivalent to alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different than Alternative Medicine because it addresses the whole person rather than just symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person's health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn't address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Is holistic healing legitimate?
Yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. They can't treat all conditions. It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person's well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. But this is simply untrue. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
It wasn't until after the Middle Ages that medical doctors began to study anatomy. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Others find that exercise is essential for peak performance.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. Holistic healthcare focuses on the whole person, not just individual symptoms. This includes how they feel, what they eat and where they live.
Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life and treats them like a whole package. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
How To
What is it that a holistic doctor does that a conventional doctor doesn't do?
A holistic doctor offers more services than a traditional physician, such as a nutritionist and massage therapist, as well as naturopaths, homeopaths, and naturopaths.
Holistic doctors work with patients holistically. They look at each person's lifestyle and environment, and treat the root causes of any health problems, rather than treating the symptoms. They can identify the root causes of illness and take preventative and long-term measures to ensure their health. Holistic doctors may use alternative medicine, including essential oils and herbs. They also provide nutritional support and dietary advice to promote healthy living.
In addition, holistic doctors offer therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, craniosacral therapy, and many others.