"Diabetes Tech Fuels Olympic Medal Pursuit"

"Olympic athletes are leveraging advanced diabetes technology to optimize performance in their quest for medals. This innovative approach reflects a growing trend in sports, where athletes utilize cutting-edge tools to enhance their training and competitive edge. By integrating diabetes tech into their routines, these athletes demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of human potential, reshaping the landscape of elite sports."

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest news - Olympic athletes, such as Dutch marathon runner Abdi Nageeye, are adopting a novel device aiming to enhance their prospects of winning medals in the upcoming summer games: miniature monitors affixed to the skin to monitor blood glucose levels. Originally designed for diabetes patients, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have garnered interest from companies like Abbott and Dexcom, who see potential applications in sports and wellness. With the Paris Olympics commencing on July 26, there's a chance to spotlight this technology, despite lacking evidence of its performance-enhancing effects.

Jacob Leach, Dexcom's Chief Operating Officer, envisions a future where continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) will have significant applications beyond diabetes. While acknowledging that their primary market remains diabetes patients, Leach revealed to Reuters that Dexcom is collaborating with researchers to explore potential uses of CGMs to enhance athletic performance. However, he declined to provide specific details. Currently valued at billions of dollars, the CGM market primarily serves diabetes patients who utilize the coin-sized adhesive skin patches with Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones, replacing traditional finger stick blood tests. These readings assist in determining insulin dosage requirements.

In March, Dexcom's Stelo device, designed for individuals with early-stage diabetes not requiring insulin, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first CGM to receive U.S. approval for over-the-counter purchase. Its launch is scheduled for this summer.

Boston Brand Media also found that as early as 2020, Abbott introduced a CGM product for both amateur and elite athletes without diabetes in Europe. Since 2021, the company has been sponsoring renowned Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and his team. Elite athletes and their support teams have been utilizing CGMs to optimize calorie intake and exercise intensity in preparation for sporting events.

Abbott has expressed its focus on capturing the non-diabetic consumer market. Recently, the company obtained U.S. approval for its prescription-free Lingo device and accompanying smartphone app, which have been available in Britain since January at a monthly cost ranging from £120 to £150 ($152 to $190).

On the same day, Abbott also received U.S. clearance for its non-prescription Libre Rio system, targeting individuals with diabetes who do not require insulin, in direct competition with Dexcom's Stelo.

In 2023, sales of Abbott's FreeStyle Libre CGM range, the most widely utilized, surged by 23% to $5.3 billion, driven by demand from diabetes patients who appreciate their simplicity and precise monitoring capabilities. Dexcom experienced a 24% revenue increase to $3.6 billion during the same period.

According to research firm GlobalData, the lifestyle CGM market is projected to grow by nearly 15% annually, reaching $9.9 billion by 2031. This growth is attributed in part to users of weight-loss medications like Wegovy, who are turning to medical technology devices to support their dietary efforts.

Other market analysts estimate that the overall CGM market, encompassing both diabetic and non-diabetic use, including suppliers such as Medtronic, will see a 9-10% annual growth over the next five years.

PREPARING FOR PARIS

Dutch marathoner Nageeye, a silver medalist in the Tokyo Olympics, has integrated blood glucose monitoring into his training regimen, aiming for a seamless running experience. Sponsored by Abbott since April 2021, Nageeye, qualified for Paris, uses CGMs to optimize his sleep and eating routines, conserving energy during workouts.

Australian swimmer Chelsea Hodges, a Tokyo Olympics relay gold medalist, credits CGMs with helping her address fatigue and dizziness during training by adjusting calorie intake and workout timing. Although now retired due to hip issues, Hodges prepared for Paris while utilizing CGMs.

Sports nutrition scientists, like Associate Professor Filip Larsen, view CGMs as a promising tool for understanding athletes' training intensity. Despite ongoing trials and experiments, validated scientific methods for optimizing routines with CGMs remain limited.

While Abbott emphasizes the importance of managing blood glucose swings for overall health, experts like Greg Cox caution against non-diabetic individuals using CGMs without professional guidance. Misinterpretations of glucose readings could lead to unnecessary concerns, as fluctuations are a natural response to dietary intake.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: Reuters‍