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How CGM tech has advanced in the 21st century

March 11, 2021 By Brian Buntz

Medtronic 2004 Guardian CGM System
Medtronic won FDA approval for its Guardian CGM system in 2004. [Image courtesy of Medtronic]

CGM’s beginnings

1999: FDA approves first professional CGM

Known as a “Continuous Glucose Monitor System” from Medtronic MiniMed (Medtronic Diabetes, Northridge, Calif.), the device provided three days of glucose data meant initially for a physician rather than a patient to review. The device was intended to help physicians establish patients’ glucose profiles and monitor insulin therapy. It took patient readings every 10 seconds while providing 5-minute averages. The sensor had a maximum life of 72 hours. Like many others that would follow, the device would require fingerstick-based blood glucose calibration.

2001: FDA approves first real-time CGM

The GlucoWatch Biographer from Cygnus Inc. won marketing approval for adults with diabetes. It was the only system to provide a stream of glucose readings to patients when introduced. While the armband-based device was noninvasive, it was not widely successful because it tended to cause site irritation. Animas, which eventually acquired the rights to the GlucoWatch and its successor, the GlucoWatch G2 Biographer, stopped selling the technology in 2007. Johnson & Johnson acquired Animas in 2006.

2004: Medtronic wins FDA approval for its Guardian CGM System

The Guardian CGM from the medical device giant could warn users when their blood sugar hits dangerous levels. The device provided glucose values every five minutes.

2004: Dexcom introduces its first real-time CGM

Known as the Dexcom STS (short for short-term sensor), the device shared glucose every five minutes. Like Medtronic’s Guardian device, the STS could also provide alerts when glucose levels dip or rise above predefined thresholds. The device was intended to be used for up to 72 hours.

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Filed Under: Diabetes, Diagnostics, Drug-Device Combinations, Featured Tagged With: abbott, CGM, Dexcom, Medtronic, Senseonics

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  • Data backs Medtronic MiniMed 780G for type 2, children as company seeks expanded indications
  • Abbott could pave new roads in diabetes management with dual sensor on the horizon

About Brian Buntz

The pharma and biotech editor of WTWH Media, Brian is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering an array of life science topics, including clinical trials, drug discovery and development and medical devices. Before coming to WTWH, he served as content director focused on connected devices at Informa. In addition, Brian covered the medical device sector for 10 years at UBM. At Qmed, he overhauled the brand’s news coverage and helped to grow the site’s traffic volume dramatically. He had previously held managing editor roles on two of the company’s medical device technology publications. Connect with him on LinkedIn or email at bbuntz@wtwhmedia.com.

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