Diabetics use glucose monitors and sensors to track their blood sugar levels. Dexcom is a US company whose sensors are popular in Estonia.
However, in recent months, there have been complaints about Dexcom's new One+ model. The issue is with the wire, which does not reach under the skin and fails to retrieve data. This has caused concern among many users.
Kristi Peegel, head of the Estonian Children and Youth Diabetes Association MTÜ, says the problems are not occurring in a single batch but appear in different lots. Therefore, the devices have not been recalled en masse.
The Medicines Agency is aware of the issues but does not plan to restrict the sale of the devices. Piret Põiklik, head of the Medical Devices Department, says that over 60,000 devices have been sold in Estonia, with only about 250 complaints received.
The Medicines Agency advises anyone experiencing issues with the devices to notify the manufacturer. However, banning the devices is not currently planned, as most uses are successful.
The Health Insurance Fund reimburses sensors from at least seven manufacturers, including Dexcom sensors. Although Dexcom has a large market share, devices from other manufacturers are also available.
Representatives of diabetes organizations emphasize that Dexcom sensors are accurate and convenient. However, the problems have caused anxiety among many users.
Children with diabetes are not affected by Dexcom's issues because their monitors do not support integration with insulin pumps. The problems are more prevalent among adults.
Pharmacies cannot replace the sensors because the manufacturer does not offer this solution.
Dexcom has announced that it continuously monitors the quality of its sensors and replaces all faulty devices.