CGMs Enhancing Everyday Life

Imagine the trials, the tribulations, and the emotions as a parent trying to manage life - their life and the life of their child who happens to live with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or what used to be referred to as juvenile diabetes. The fear of the unknown creates anxiety and the unknowns that come from a child living with diabetes are simply frightening.

While the exact cause is unknown, T1D is a condition where the human body does not produce insulin, an important hormone needed to survive. During digestion, the body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar molecules, but it can't be absorbed without the aid of insulin. Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream to the body's cells for energy. Having too much sugar, typically over 200mg/dl, in the bloodstream can lead to hyperglycemia. Going unchecked, hyperglycemia has the potential to cause life-threatening side effects such as kidney failure, nerve damage, vision loss, or heart disease.

On the other side of the spectrum, physical activity among other things can cause blood sugar to become lower. Going too low, typically below 70 mg/dl, is referred to as hypoglycemia. Complications of hypoglycemia include cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, organ failure, coma, or even death.

Imagine an eight-year-old boy (who likely eats a lot and plays a lot) with type 1 diabetes and how frightening it might be for his family not knowing his condition while he's away at school. Imagine his parents and the anxiety of not knowing hour to hour or even minute by minute how he and the school staff are managing this chronic disease.

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Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are sensor-based body worn blood glucose monitors providing continuous glucose readings which can be (and are) monitored remotely. These devices allow parents to know their child's glucose levels in real time, so they can be assured regardless of the child's environment, day and night, how they are doing. Beyond that relief, the child is set free to be a kid again forgoing the need for constant finger pokes using an old-school blood glucose meter (BGM). On average, a person is required to test their blood sugar levels anywhere from 3-8 times a day (depending on their carb intake). This averages to be ~2,352 pokes a year. That's a lot of pokes for a young person with little fingers.

At onsemi, we take pride in enabling medical device manufacturers with complete CGM microelectronic system solutions that help children with diabetes lead happier, longer and fuller lives.

As of 2021, 537 million people globally have been diagnosed with T1D between the ages of 20-79. By 2030 alone, this is projected to increase to 643 million. That's why it's critical to ensure that medical manufacturers with the most advanced and reliable medical solutions.

The onsemi Treo Platform enables the next generation of analog and mixed signal devices, including the most advanced solutions for continuous glucose monitors.

Here at onsemi, we are inspired to help all living with diabetes lead happier, longer, fuller lives so that they and their family members need not worry about the fear of the unknown.

The journey ahead is bright, and with CGMs, we are paving the way for a healthier, more vibrant world.