In Diabetes Technology, the Downsizing Continues
Two new products - a transmitter for a continuous glucose sensor and glucose meter - have recently come out, and their principal advantage is their small size. How do we know this? Because "mini" is in both of their names.
We believe that size does matter in these devices - smaller is usually better, certainly less cumbersome - and we applaud these efforts.
First, we have Medtronic's MiniLink Real-Time Transmitter, which is part of its Guardian (R) REAL-Time continuous glucose monitoring system. In general, a transmitter snaps into the glucose sensor after the sensor is inserted beneath the skin and sends glucose readings to a monitor every five seconds. The MiniLink, however, is about one-third the size of previous Medtronic transmitters (it's about the size of a quarter), and it's white instead of black. The actual insertion is very close to the sensor, rather than dangling at the end of a "wire" as before (Bluetooth technology is involved). It's also waterproof and, for the first time, can be recharged.
The MiniLink definitely looks better, and is less conspicuous, than the previous transmitter, and that might make it more attractive to younger patients. The design has no bearing on the transmitter's accuracy, which remains a drawback for some patients.
Next, LifeScan has introduced a slimmed-down version of its Ultra glucose meter - the UltraMini. All meter companies say their products are small, but this one is truly tiny. It's 4 ¼ inches long, 1 ¼ inch wide, 2/3 of an inch thick, and weighs about an ounce.
In other words, it's narrow, discreet, and easy to handle, and for these reasons we love it. We know of many diabetics who've had to test their blood sugar in difficult places - in a corporate board room, at a Texas Holdem poker game - so small meters can be advantageous. The UltraMini is also one of the cheapest meters around, about $20 (strips used for this meter are the same used as for the Ultra2 and UltraSmart).
Some “hyper-intensively” managed patients may see some disadvantages. The meter has a relatively small memory, only 50 test results, and they cannot be downloaded - clearly not good for patients whose doctors use meter downloads to guide care, or for patients who do it themselves. Do you do this? Please take our two-question poll and we'll get back to you about how important this is! You will also be entered in a drawing to win a free Adorn bag, as seen in NewNowNext!
Perhaps some day we'll get the best of both worlds - small and multi-functional - but for now even small is a nice option.
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