Dexcom G6 CGM ensures freedom from routine finger pricks in diabetes patients

Diabetes patients can now gain freedom from bothersome and painful finger pricks for glucose self-monitoring as new Dexcom G6 CGM makes its way in European and US market.  Dexcom, Inc. a leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) announced on June 12, 2018, that it has received European approval (CE mark) to market its Dexcom G6 for people with diabetes ages two years and above.

Since it’s introduction nearly 4 decades ago, fingerstick blood glucose testing has been the cornerstone of diabetes self-management. But pricking your finger ten or more times a day is painful, cumbersome and requires a lot of paraphernalia.

Dexcom G6 is a breakthrough in the field of continuous glucose monitoring, especially for people who require insulin. It does not require a finger prick even for calibrating the system.

The G6 sensor has improved longevity of 10 days instead of 7 and the transmitter also got a new look with a reduction in size by 28%. People taking acetaminophen can also accurately monitor their blood glucose levels as the protective membrane over the sensor does not interfere with the readings.

The new Dexcom also comes with an auto-applicator that makes the sensor insertion simple and painless. Simply press the applicator with the patch onto your skin and press the orange button. The patch and sensor are ready to take the readings.

The Dexcom is syn with your iPhone, or any other smartphone device. For international users, the readings can also be displayed on a small touchscreen receiver. The receiver needs charging every 2 days and can be charged with micro-USB.

The receiver for the new G6 has not undergone much change, and users of G5 can upgrade the receiver by a simple software update.  

Most people syn their G6 with a mobile device or Apple watch so that they are saved the hassle of carrying an additional device. The data can be shared with 5 additional people using the Dexcom Follow app or shared with your doctor using the Dexcom Clarity platform.

The Dexcom also alerts the user in event of blood sugar is trending toward 55 mg/dL in less than 20 minutes. This allows for ample time for the users to act.

This is the only CGM indicated for children ages 2 years and older.

It’s available for shipping to consumers in the US since early June.

Dexcom G6News Release  

Say goodbye to mosquito bites by a simple wearable blocker on the wrist

Finally, say goodbye to the red itchy bumps and many scary diseases caused by mosquito’s bites by just a high-tech wearable instead of dousing yourself in chemicals. Guarden has just launched an Indiegogo campaign for its latest device named Bandito, that is worn on the wrist or attached to your backpack or clothing to ward off the mosquitos.

Guarden is a pest control company based at Chicago, Illinois that specializes in manufacturing eco-friendly products for pest and environmental protection. Bandito combines two different technologies to produce powerful defense against the bites of mosquitos. The device produces sonic waves at a frequency that repels the mosquitos and other bugs but is imperceptible to human and pet ears.

In addition, the device produces scents that are revolting to bugs but is refreshing to the human nose. The scent strips consist of Citronella, Peppermint, and Lemongrass.

An individual Bandito device is built to last a single season even when used consistently. It comes with a battery that can go on for about 500 hours, while each strip lasts for 14 days when used daily for 5.5 hours. The device is at the prototype stage at present and the company is expected to ship the orders by August 2018. 

Each Bandito device ships with one refill and one battery. The refills can be ordered separately. Currently, the solo pack is priced at $34 and expected to be delivered by August 2018. The device can also be ordered in various combination like friend’s pack (2 devices), family pack (4 devices), party pack (10 devices), and camping pack (25 devices).

The product is cost efficient, non-sticky, harmless towards the skin, non-toxic, and usable for years to come.

The bite of a mosquito can be more serious than just be annoying and itchy. They are known to cause many viral and parasitic diseases which can cause significant morbidities and sometimes be fatal.

CDC reports that mosquitos are responsible for about 1 million deaths a year just because of transmission of the malarial parasite. Other common viral diseases caused by the mosquitos are dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), yellow fever, West Nile fever, Japanese encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis.

Recent years have seen a rise in mosquito born illnesses and scientists are predicting an explosion of these diseases in near future because of global warming and climate change worldwide.

Joseph Conlon, American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Technical Advisor said in a recent press release, “We already have the mosquitoes. We are continually importing the diseases they carry. We must be prepared to prevent their spread throughout our public health landscape – and this requires safe, effective, sustained mosquito control and awareness in the community.”

The AMCA is celebrating National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 24—June 30, 2018) to create awareness among the public about how to keep the mosquitos away and the various diseases caused by mosquito bite.

Indiegogo campaign page

Product page

An official promo video about Bandito from Guarden