A glucose sensor either continuous meter It is a device that allows you to know the sugar levels in blood throughout the day and night, without the need to prick your fingers several times a day with the traditional method.
The device is placed on the arm or abdomen and sends the readings to a phone or watch, and also issues alarms when glucose rises or falls too high. It is recommended for people with diabetes type 1, type 2 who use insulin or require close monitoring and athletes or people at risk of hypoglycemia.
Because of these advantages, the pediatric endocrinologist and coordinator of the Essential Diabetes Medicines Program (Average) from Promese/Cal, Elbi Morla, requests the State that these sensors be incorporated into the project, which supplies supplies to pediatric patients in the public system.
According to the request for the devices presented by the Dr. Morla during an interview in Diario Libre, the request is also supported by the endocrinology managers pediatric Robert Reid Cabral hospitalsArturo Grullón of Santiago, Hugo Mendoza, San Lorenzo de Los Mina, Marcelino Vélez, Taiwan de Azua, San Vicente de Paúl (San Francisco de Macorís) and Our Lady of La Altagracia (Higüey). The program operates in all these hospitals.
Morla said that this method, already used in several countries in the region, offers a more precise control and a less invasive alternative to children and adolescents with diabetes.
The pediatric endocrinologist explained that children who use insulin must measure their glucose at least six times a day, which implies constant punctures.
- “The sensor is more effective and less invasive. Countries like Colombia, Costa Rica and El Salvador have already made the change,” he stated.
Cost and benefits for families
A sensor costs between 3,000 and 4,000 pesos in pharmacies, although Morla pointed out that the price would go down if the State buys in large quantities.
During the interview, Morla was accompanied by Carolina María Capellan and his son, a child in the program, who assured that the sensor has improved the control of his little one’s disease.
Chaplain said that the levels remain more stable and that the device warns when they are high or low.
“With the glucometer one has to wake up several times; However, with the sensor it is easier and the child becomes less stressed,” he said.
How much would it cost the State annually?
In the Dominican Republic it is estimated that 2,000 children and adolescents Children under 15 years of age live with diabetes, and 800 of them receive supplies through Average. Every year between 150 and 250 new cases are diagnosed.
Morla explained that each sensor has a lifespan of 15 daysso every child needs two a month.
“In the program Average We serve 800 patients, which represents an annual consumption of 19,200 sensors. If each one costs around 3,000 pesos, the total investment to supply them for a year would be around 57.6 million pesos,” he indicated.
The specialist highlighted that, in addition to improving the quality of life of patients, this technology could reduce expenses related to the use of glucometers, test strips and complications such as infection if there is no adequate management.
