Dexcom Recalls 500K Receivers Over Safety Issue
Dexcom has recalled over 500,000 receivers due to a critical safety issue. The malfunctioning speakers failed to alert users to dangerously high or low blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like seizures and loss of consciousness in some cases. This recall comes amidst rapid innovations in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies.
The recall, announced in May 2025, affects Dexcom's G6, G7, ONE, and ONE+ receivers. The malfunction poses a significant risk to patients, as timely alerts are crucial for managing diabetes. Meanwhile, the industry is witnessing advancements in various aspects of CGM, including devices and ecosystems, sensors, microneedles, and AI algorithms.
Companies like Huawei are exploring non-invasive glucose monitoring using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. They aim to filter out corrupted signals for more accurate readings. Competitors are also investing heavily in AI integration and advanced sensor technologies to improve glucose monitoring and gain a competitive edge. For instance, Accu-Chek, in collaboration with IBM, is developing proactive, simple, and affordable glucose management systems. Percusense, on the other hand, proposes a device that monitors not just glucose but also heart rate, oxygen, and lactate, and can be integrated with automated insulin delivery systems. Dula AI is working on an AI-powered CGM system that predicts and prevents food-induced blood sugar spikes in real-time.
Despite these innovations, a recent review highlights predictable performance degradation issues in CGM technologies. These include accuracy drift within 72 hours of insertion and sensitivity to environmental factors.
The Dexcom recall underscores the importance of reliable alerts in CGM devices. As the industry races to innovate, addressing performance degradation and ensuring patient safety should remain paramount. With diabetes consuming nearly 20% of many countries' GDPs, improved glucose monitoring can significantly impact public health and economic outcomes.
