MiniMed™ 780G shows promise in managing type 1 diabetes blood sugar issues

Medtronic plc, a leading name in healthcare technology, has unveiled promising new data at the 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), highlighting the effectiveness of the MiniMed™ 780G system. This advanced system addresses persistent issues like hyperglycemia and nightly disruptions for individuals managing type 1 diabetes. The latest data underscores the ability of the MiniMed™ 780G system to mitigate early morning hyperglycemia, commonly known as the dawn phenomenon, and enhance overnight sleep quality.

Hyperglycemia, a significant concern for those with diabetes, is often overshadowed by hypoglycemia. In the U.S., a mere 26% of diabetes patients manage to maintain HbA1c levels below 7.0%. Persistent high blood sugar levels can lead to severe health issues affecting multiple organs. For children, high glucose levels can impair cognitive functions, including memory and learning abilities.

The dawn phenomenon, characterized by a surge in glucose levels in the early morning hours, is a common frustration for diabetes patients. An analysis of real-world data from over 6,000 users revealed that this early morning glucose spike was almost completely eliminated in those who transitioned from the MiniMed™ 770G system to the MiniMed™ 780G system. The data indicated a significant reduction in the dawn phenomenon rates from 12.2% to 4.5%, and an increase in the Time in Range (TIR) from 87.7% to 91.4% during the early morning hours.

Dr. Robert Vigersky, Chief Medical Officer at Medtronic Diabetes, emphasized the importance of managing hyperglycemia early to prevent long-term health complications. He noted that the MiniMed™ 780G system has simplified the maintenance of target glucose ranges, significantly reducing the stress associated with diabetes management.

Apart from addressing hyperglycemia, the MiniMed™ 780G system also aims to reduce the nighttime burden for diabetes patients. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) alerts and the need for manual insulin adjustments can disrupt sleep, adding to the daily challenges of diabetes management. Data from a retrospective analysis involving over 8,000 users showed that the system's automatic insulin adjustments every five minutes significantly reduced nighttime alerts by 45% for all users and 55% for those using the optimal settings. This led to an increase in uninterrupted sleep by 30 to 36 minutes per night, enhancing overall sleep quality.

Furthermore, Medtronic is set to present data on the next iteration of the MiniMed™ 780G system, which will be paired with the Simplera Sync™ sensor, an all-in-one disposable CGM requiring no overtape. A 24-site study found that this new combination improved several clinical outcomes, including TIR, Time in Tight Range (TITR), and Time Above Range (TAR), compared to previous systems. The study highlighted the benefits of using recommended optimal settings, which further enhanced glucose control.

Dr. Gregory Forlenza, a pediatric endocrinologist, highlighted that the MiniMed™ 780G system has established itself as a proven solution for automated insulin delivery. The upcoming system iteration, paired with the Simplera Sync™ sensor, promises to further improve the diabetes management experience, making it a compelling option for patients, especially when used with optimal settings.

Currently, the MiniMed™ 780G system is available for individuals aged seven and above in over 100 countries. The new system with the Simplera Sync™ sensor is expected to launch in parts of Europe by late July, although it remains investigational and is not yet approved for commercial use in the U.S.

In summary, the MiniMed™ 780G system represents a significant advancement in diabetes management, offering enhanced glucose control and reducing the daily and nightly burdens of living with type 1 diabetes.