NewNowNext May/June, 2010

Abbott's FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring Strip = Big Win

Abbott has just received approval for its blood-glucose monitoring strip for the Freestyle Lite. Beyond the fact that it’s easier to use, we're excited about it for several reasons. First, it fixes the GDH-PQQ problem from last year. While this didn't affect a significant number of patients (mainly those undergoing surgery or on dialysis), fixing the problem was important to reduce the risk of an inaccurate reading due to chemistry issues.

Second, Abbott's new strip has made tangible improvements from the old. The “Wow Factor” stems from its speed – the new strip makes testing much faster because it takes uncertainty away from wicking blood from the skin (how fast the strip takes up the blood). Abbott's old FreeStyle strips (which were the old TheraSense FreeStyle strips) were very good, but there was one thing that made them hard to use – it took longer, in our view, for the system to recognize the blood. Sometimes the strips would recognize the blood right away, and sometimes it would take a few extra seconds – add up those extra seconds for someone who tests 4-6 times a day, and the burden of testing becomes that much greater. For someone testing eight times a day, it's nearly two extra hours a year. (Please write kellyinfo@closeconcerns.com separately if you would like the background of Kelly's excel sheet on this.) Abbott’s new strip makes the entire process much faster, and the new system is as competitive as or better than virtually all other meters.

Third, as we understand it, although this strip is for the FreeStyle Lite, it is "backwards compatible" for all of Abbott's blood glucose meters. That means you can use the strips with all the old FreeStyle meters. Abbott does not have a "claim" for this, but users will find that strips can be used in that fashion. This is good news from our view, as it is always hard when new strips don’t work with existing systems. Good for the FDA, and good for Abbott on the FreeStyle Lite strip approval. It’s difficult to make testing marginally less of a burden, but this strip achieves that.

As a postscript, we note that at least some patients are testing less due to the use of continuous glucose monitoring, according to our dQ&A panel. Are you testing less? If so we'd love to hear your perspective – please write kellyinfo@closeconcerns.com. --KC

UnitedHealth and YMCA Align to Offer New Lifestyle Program

Even though exercise and weight loss have been shown to reduce a person’s chance of developing type 2 diabetes, healthcare providers have not traditionally reimbursed preventive programs that support a healthy lifestyle. That’s now changing with a landmark collaboration between UnitedHealth group and the YMCA. UnitedHealth Group has signed on to reimburse the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program for adults at risk of developing diabetes. The program is based on the seminal NIH-funded Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), one of the major trials showing that moderate weight loss and lifestyle changes reduce the chances of getting type 2 diabetes. In a supportive group setting, the YMCA’s 16-week program offers training in diet, exercise, and behavior modification. The two primary goals are to reduce body weight by 7% and to participate in regular physical activity (150 minutes per week or more). Currently, UnitedHealth has agreed to cover the DPP-based lifestyle program at seven YMCA branches in Cincinnati and Dayton (Ohio), Indianapolis (Indiana), Minneapolis and St. Paul (Minnesota), and Phoenix (Arizona). The YMCA is active in over 10,000 communities, and UnitedHealth will be expanding its coverage in 2010 and beyond. The YMCA is committed to providing the program affordably to people with or without insurance, and offers financial assistance when necessary. Contact your local YMCA to learn more about the program and to find out what financial assistance is available. --NW

CVS MinuteClinic Launches New Monitoring Services for PWDs; Offers Free A1c Test Through Mid-June!

CVS recently announced the introduction of new monitoring services for people with diabetes offered through its MinuteClinic walk-in healthcare clinics. Dubbed Monitoring Made Easy, the service consists of a visit with MinuteClinic’s nurse practitioners or physician assistants and a series of standard tests for diabetes. A full appointment may include an A1c test, blood pressure check, body mass index (BMI) measurement, cholesterol measurement, foot exam, kidney function (microalbumin) test, and lifestyle advice. No advanced reservation is necessary, but CVS does recommend that you fast between 8-12 hours before coming to the MinuteClinic to ensure the accuracy of certain blood tests. The cost of a full diabetes monitoring appointment is $62 to $97, but until June 12, 2010, CVS will offer a free A1c test to adults with diabetes. MinuteClinics are not yet available in all states, and you can find out if there is one near you at www.minuteclinic.com/en/USA/Clinics.aspx. For more information on the Diabetes Monitoring Made Easy service, visit: www.minuteclinic.com/services/healthconditionmonitoring/diabetes/ --NW

Testing Can Be Fun: Bayer Introduces the Didget

Testing blood sugar levels day in and day out isn't always fun for kids. But what if they were rewarded with points for each test that was within range and also for consistent and regular testing? That's exactly what Bayer’s new Didget Blood Glucose Monitoring System, which connects directly to Nintendo’s DS and DS Lite gaming systems, aims to do. The Didget meter aims to positively reinforce consistent testing habits by awarding points to allow kids to unlock new game levels. The meter is intended for kids ages 4-14 and offers two testing levels: basic and advanced. When linked with the gaming system, it includes a full-length adventure game and mini-game arcade (which we guiltily did enjoy). The meter also connects to Bayer's Didget World, a password-protected web community (coming soon) where kids can spend the points that they earn from good monitoring practices as well as create their own personal profile. The Didget is based on Bayer's Contour system and uses the same Glucofacts Deluxe system that we loved in the Contour USB meter (see Test Drive from diaTribe #19 for our review). Despite the fun and games, it's still a serious meter that doesn't require coding, has only a five-second test time, and takes a 0.6 µL sample size. On its own, testing with the Didget may not stack up with your favorite meter – it’s bigger and clunkier than newer models. But for kids who love games, it could definitely be worth the reward, and for parents, it may well be easier with this system to inquire about your child’s results. --DL

Update on Medingo’s Solo MicroPump

We recently wrote a NewNowNext on a full-featured “detachable” tubeless insulin pump, Medingo’s Solo MicroPump Insulin Delivery System. We had previously mentioned that the pump was being prepared to launch as early as mid-2010; however, Roche Diabetes Care recently acquired Medingo and has delayed plans to make the Solo MicroPump available as quickly. The plan is now for the pump to come to market in 2012, with the possibility of smaller regional launches in Europe before that time. As a reminder, this pump has already received FDA approval for delivering insulin. We will be sure to keep you posted on any further developments. --ST