Last Updated on May 4, 2024
2015 is over, and for the diabetes industry, it brought a lot of new technology like Tandem’s high-capacity pump, waterproof continuous glucose monitors, and many other technological advances.
There were also several new diabetes medications and research results released in 2015. Some of them were good, and others weren’t as nice to hear. As we go into 2016, people with diabetes can expect to see many more new technologies.
Nasal Glucagon
We received a lot of information about nasal glucagon in 2015, but the new treatment won’t officially enter the market until late 2016. The intranasal treatment is being designed by Locemia and looks similar to most nasal sprays. The spray doesn’t require large inhales through the nostrils because the spray is absorbed through the nasal passages. The clinical trials of the nasal glucagon showed that this method is just as effective as traditional methods for treating blood glucose complications, although it was a few minutes slower.
Medtronic MiniMed 640G (Maybe)
This continuous glucose monitor could become one of the smartest diabetes technologies on the market. The MiniMed 640G is already available in Australia, the United Kingdom, and in Denmark, but isn’t projected to hit the U.S. markets until late 2016.
The MiniMed 640G will have an advanced feature called “SmartGuard”, which can suspend the delivery of insulin if a hypoglycemic episode should occur within 30 minutes. SmartGuard bases this decision on the continuous glucose monitor readings.
The MiniMed 640G is another step towards a seamless life for type 1 diabetics that require an insulin pump. The MiniMed 640G will be able to make decisions for insulin doses based on the past readings.
*Update – the MiniMed 630G is scheduled for deliveries starting in September 2016.
Basaglar
Eli Lilly & Co received FDA approval to begin selling Basaglar in the United States. Basaglar is a cheaper drug version of Sanofi’s popular medication Lantus. Basaglar is a long-lasting insulin glargine injection. The medication is injected using the KwikPen injection once every day. The doses from the medication vary depending on the patients’ situation. There has been no confirmed statement on the price of Basaglar, but diabetics can expect to see prices that are lower than Lantus.
Trial of Google Lens
This is an exciting new technology that is being created in a partnership of Google and Novartis. The new wearable technology seems like something of the future, and the future is 2016. The company received approval to begin testing the contact lens using humans in 2016. The Google lens will be worn like a contact lens and can provide constant monitoring of the wearers’ blood glucose levels. The lens determines glucose levels using the tears from the eye. The other goal of the contact lens is to correct vision for people who can no longer read without using glasses.
Tresiba
Tresiba contains insulin degludec, which is another long lasting diabetic medication. Degludec is the main acting agent in Tresiba. Tresiba is only taken once a day through injection. The difference between Tresiba and other diabetes medications is that Tresiba has an effective life of 42 hours. Because of its long-lasting effects, some have nicknamed it “Sunday-sleeping-in insulin”.
The FDA originally declined the medication over concerns the drug could have on the heart. After studying Tresiba’s effect on the heart, Novo Nordisk resubmitted their application and received approval. Tresiba is expected to enter into the diabetes market in late 2016.
Looking Forward
2015 was a great year for diabetics, with exciting technology, new medications, and much more. Fortunately, 2016 looks to be just as promising. Each year brings new medical advances that bring us closer to finding a permanent cure for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
