Abbott launches first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor in U.S.

Abbott Laboratories announced Thursday their continuous glucose monitor Lingo is now available across America with prices beginning from $49. Lingo is part of an emerging class of consumer-grade biosensors designed for everyday use by individuals to assess how their bodies react to food, exercise, sleep and stress. These continuous glucose monitors – small sensors which adhere directly to skin – measure real-time glucose levels. glucose, the primary energy source in our bodies, comes from food. Continuous glucose monitors have long been utilized as tools for managing diabetes; however, Lingo does not serve this function. Instead, this program targets adults without diabetes who want to “improve their overall health and wellness.” According to a release issued by AANP. Abbott noted that glucose levels tend to fluctuate throughout a person’s day. Consistently high glucose levels could result in serious health conditions like metabolic disease, insulin resistance and heart disease if left uncontrolled for too long, according to Abbott. Lingo claims it can provide users with awareness about existing habits and teach them healthier methods of glucose management. “Ultimately, our aim is not only to see and understand what’s happening within your body but to also develop and establish healthy behaviors,” according to Ben Fohner of Abbott’s Lingo app for CNBC in an interview. Abbott already provides continuous glucose monitors to diabetes patients in the U.S.; now, with Lingo they plan on breaking into an entirely new market. One in three American have prediabetes; however, these individuals typically don’t qualify for insurance coverage of monitoring sensors; now though, they can pay out-of-pocket without needing a valid prescription or reimbursement from medical insurance. Abbott noted that users can purchase one sensor online for $49, two sensors for $88, or six sensors at $249 each and wear them on the upper arm for 14 days each time, according to Abbott’s information. Olivier Ropars, Abbott’s divisional vice president for Lingo, explained the company has decided to offer three pricing plans so curious consumers don’t feel daunted by long-term commitment. A customer may choose just one sensor at first to test out for several weeks before making their choice. “Our aim is to make it as accessible and cost-effective as possible,” Ropars stated to CNBC during an interview. Abbott competitor Dexcom also has its eye on prediabetes market; their over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor for this segment of patients was released late August. Stelo, Dexcom’s device available in the US at an annual subscription cost of $89.00 is another device used for continuous glucose monitoring that is offered. People living with Type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin may also use Dexcom’s Stelo system, according to Abbott’s announcement in June and following approval of both their continuous glucose monitoring systems by FDA in March and July respectively. Abbott offered two systems, Lingo and Libre Rio; Lingo is targeted toward those taking insulin while Libre Rio provides care specifically designed to treat non-insulin users of Type 2 diabetes. Ropars stated that those without an insulin prescription could theoretically use both systems; however, in reality Abbott advises using Libre Rio more. Abbott did not disclose when Libre Rio will become available, however. Abbott’s Lingo app (provided courtesy of Abbott). Users who open it will see an accurate reading that’s updated every minute. After recording glucose readings on a graph, which shows them within an acceptable “healthy range”, each reading is plotted on its own graph with shaded areas indicating acceptable ranges for their conditions. Fohner said Abbott’s clinical team defines this range as being from 140 milligrams per deciliter to 70 milligrams per deciliter, with Abbott’s primary aim to help Lingo users learn about glucose spikes; when glucose levels in your bloodstream rise sharply before rapidly dropping off again. glucose spikes often follow meals. While glucose spikes may push an individual’s readings beyond healthy range, they can also occur within normal parameters. Limiting spikes and improving glucose management overall can help users sleep and mood more soundly, manage weight more efficiently, and take proactive measures against future health conditions, according to Abbott. In order for users to visualize the impact of their spikes more clearly, Abbott devised the “Lingo Count.” An algorithm assigns a numeric value for each glucose spike and its significance; users then strive each day to stay below a target Lingo Count value. Abbott’s Lingo app displays this data on an interactive glucose graph as users scroll down its home page, with each spike representing their Lingo Count number in shaded area beneath a spike. Lingo-specific numbers serve as indicators and measurements to show “how high and long your spike traveled, as well as its effect on your body”, Fohner explained. Users of Lingo Count can utilize its data and view how their performance changes over time, along with what time of day their words typically spike most dramatically. They may also participate in challenges or access educational resources to learn ways to minimize those spikes. Ropars stressed the complexity of metabolism is unique for each body and Lingo can offer insight into why glucose levels fluctuate for its users; but its main value lies in helping people establish healthier lifestyles. “Most of our products today are targeted towards helping those dealing with chronic disease or sickness and trying to recover, while this product represents our first effort at providing someone else with health-enhancing options to improve daily living before becoming sick,” explained CNBC PRO’s John Stoshak. Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO!