Sanofi launches blood glucose meter
MyStar Extra is first self-monitoring device that provides robust estimates of the A1c value
Sanofi has launched a new innovative blood glucose meter, MyStar Extra, the first self-monitoring device that provides robust estimates of the A1c value, a key indicator for long-term glucose control.
The hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) assay is expected to become the cornerstone for the assessment of diabetes control and A1c test results are widely used to guide treatment decisions. Especially convenient for people starting on insulin or using insulin, MyStar Extra is a supportive meter designed to help people with diabetes be engaged in their insulin management and treatment plan.
The estimated A1c function of MyStar Extra is based on a new A1c estimation method tracking average glycemia from self-monitoring data stored in the device. Scientific data shows that the estimation procedure used in MyStar Extra provides accurate estimates of the long-term average blood glucose value.
“The major advantage of this method is that it can work with infrequent self-monitoring data, for example fasting blood glucose readings and occasional daily profiles, and still provide reliable estimations where other techniques could fail,” said Dr Boris Kovatchev, professor at the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science and director of the UVA’s Center for Diabetes Technology.
“In-silico studies confirmed that the dynamical estimation procedure of MyStar Extra® tracks accurately the changes in average glycemia underlying the changes in A1c.”
MyStar Extra is especially convenient for people starting on or already using insulin as it provides additional blood glucose information on overall glucose control such as three-, seven- and 30-day fasting plasma glucose averages and fasting plasma glucose trends. The three-day FPG average is an important parameter for insulin titration. These supportive features may help patients keep track of how their therapy is working for them so they stay motivated to achieve their treatment targets for the prevention of diabetes complications.
“People with diabetes need to actively manage their diabetes to achieve good blood sugar control,” said William Polonsky, associate clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, and founder and president of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute.
“Support and guidance through new technologies in self-monitoring of blood glucose can increase patients’ motivation to stay on track – and motivation is very important in a chronic disease like diabetes. What’s more, several studies have shown that ongoing feedback of one’s A1c may really help people to see the value of diabetes self-care and ultimately improve diabetes control.”
“At Sanofi, our aim is to truly understand the needs of people with diabetes and to provide efficient, simple tools and guidance that help improve living with and treating diabetes,” said Pierre Chancel, senior vice president for Sanofi’s global diabetes business.
The upcoming launches of MyStar Extra and MyStar SylkFeel underscore Sanofi’s commitment to provide innovations and integrated solutions to enhance diabetes self-care.”
Now approved in Europe, MyStar Extra and the new lancing device MyStar SylkFeel will be available in selected European countries starting in the last quarter of this year. They will complement the new MyStar portfolio of Sanofi, combining devices, services and guidance for simple and effective diabetes management.