After securing FDA approval, Abbott Laboratories and Dexcom will soon launch the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors, The Washington Post reported Aug. 5.
The devices recently gained the regulatory greenlight, and both medical devicemakers are about to enter a market that includes more than 100 million people.
Margaret Kaczor Andrew, an analyst at William Blair, told the Post there are about 7.5 million diabetic patients in the U.S. who use insulin, meaning there are roughly 25 million diabetic patients who might benefit from continuous glucose monitors. Another 100 million people who are prediabetic might also jump at the new OTC device.
Neither company has disclosed the list prices, and most insurance plans are unlikely to cover the cost, according to the Post.
Dexcom said its product will launch in late August, and Abbott said it is planning its device to debut this summer.