Launch of Sinocare Diabetes Devices in Zimbabwe

The group of people that attended the launch of Sinocare's Launch

Diabetes imposes a substantial economic burden on countries, health systems, people with diabetes, and their families, as suggested by International Diabetes Federation, 2021. World Health Organization postulated that, globally, an estimated 537 million adults aged 20–79 years are currently living with diabetes (representing 10.5% of the world’s population in this age group as of 2021).

It was awe-inspiring to witness, Sinocare launching some of its most awaited products in the Zimbabwean market. As a person living with diabetes, together with other Zimbabwean Leading Laboratory corporations and renowned diabetes organizations as part of the audience, with a greater understanding of how glucose monitoring is key for the achievement of glycemic targets, extremely commend Re-Med Pvt Ltd for partnering with Sinocare, in the hope to bring in the advent of new technology (that is evolving rapidly in both accuracy and affordability).

Sinocare believes is the “Leading Diabetes Digital Management Expert in the World”. The idea behind the launch was Re Med Pvt Ltd’s initiative to expand sustainable access to much-needed healthcare products in the Zimbabwean market. Hence, Sinocare’s dedication to the innovation of biosensor technology, developing, manufacturing, and marketing rapid diagnosis testing products for chronic diseases, will help the citizens of Zimbabwean benefit from the most cut-edging Blood Glucose Monitors; Blood Uric Acid Monitors; Blood Lipid Analyzers; Blood Pressure Monitors; and but not limited to a new innovative Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Sensors.

In recent years, CGM (measures interstitial glucose related to capillary glucose) has emerged as a complementary method for the assessment of glucose levels. Glucose monitoring allows people living with diabetes to evaluate their individual response to therapy and assess whether glycemic targets are being safely achieved, as articulated by American Diabetes Association (2022). Further, the authors suggest that many people with diabetes, have such data available to assist with both self-management and assessment by their diabetes team (Healthcare professionals). These reports can be generated from CGM which will allow the provider to determine time in range (TIR) and to assess hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glycemic variability. Therefore, it's crucial for the global diabetes community to have access to such options and motivate them to achieve their individualized glycemic targets and help live a good quality life.

Below were my great takeaway message from our Physician Dr. Machiridza:

• Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose SMBG is an educational tool that should be used in conjunction with a diabetes management action plan, including:

o   Patient education in techniques and targets;

o   Specific recommendations on frequency and timing;

o   Identifying hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic patterns;

o   Healthcare follow-up based on results with additional education as appropriate;

• Everyone with diabetes mellitus should perform SMBG;
• Monitoring should be individualized to the needs of the person with diabetes;
• Data obtained should be used by both the person with diabetes and the health care team to make management decisions;
• Simply performing SMBG, without taking action based on the result, is not cost-effective;
• People with diabetes have the right to know their glucose levels.

Further, Dr. Machiridza described how the glucose monitoring process has evolved (1776-to-date) from urine testing, urine testing strips, glucose meters, and glucose sensors, to Real-Time Monitoring. He explained how SMBG is just a snapshot, as it does not give the whole picture to people living with diabetes (no information on what glucose levels have been/will be; and how many people with diabetes do not achieve glycemic targets despite focused efforts).

The below features are how a CMG provides more information than SMBG:

• Up to 288 readings per day;
• No pain;
• Accurate, stable, and consistent;
• Glucose trends/arrow systems;
• Alerts and alarms with low and high;
• Remote monitoring;
• AGP- based reports to visualize comprehensive glucose data to help patients and the medical team with dose changes.

More so, Dr. Machiridza emphasized that CGM should be considered for regular daily use in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes who perform frequent blood glucose testing and have:

• severe hypoglycemic episodes;
• Hypoglycemic unawareness (especially in young children);
• Nocturnal hypoglycemia;
• Wide glucose excursions, regardless of A1C;
• Suboptimal glycemic control, with A1C exceeding target range;
• A1C levels <7%, to maintain target glycemic control while limiting hypoglycemia risk

Over the years, below are the lessons learned from CGM clinical trials:

• It is difficult to achieve glycemic goals with finger sticks alone;
• The use of CGM substantially improves glycemic control without increasing hypoglycemia;
• Fear of hypoglycemia and lack of understanding about glycemic excursions keep people with diabetes from adjusting insulin dose appropriately in many instances                    NB. CGM helps reduce A1C without increasing hypoglycemia
• Consistency of use on a daily basis is the most important factor for success with CGM;
• People living with diabetes, with both high and low A1C values, obtain clinical benefits from the use of a CGM

Personal Review of using “The First Commercialized Direct Electron Transfer Technology Enabled Continuous Glucose Monitoring System”:

Comparisons from the date of insertion

• CGM helps by increasing monitoring frequency;
• You can verify the CGM accuracy with my blood glucose on a glucometer;

CGM reading vs Glucometer reading for accuracy

• If you miss/forget to bolus or administer your insulin, you can tell by the rate of the rise through the arrows;

current glucose level

• You find the motivation to keep yourself in range (time in range, time above/below range);

trend since insertion

• You learn to understand your glucose levels more (knowing what really triggers the either low/high);

low glucose levels with frequent alarms

high glucose level alert messages

• Discover and understand postprandial hyperglycemia, nocturnal hypoglycemia, dawn phenomenon, Somogyi phenomenon, which are difficult to detect with traditional blood glucose monitoring methods

My optioanl CGM site for 15days

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