What’s new with the Eversense E3

Senseonics announced the FDA approval of their latest continuous glucose monitoring system the Eversense E3. Eversense is the only continuous glucose monitor on the market that is implanted by your physician under your skin. Earlier versions had to be replaced after 90 days, but the new Eversense E3 lasts for a full 180 days.

What is the Eversense E3

The Eversense E3 is made up of three basic parts.

The Sensor

The sensor is a miniature, transparent rod made of sacrificial boronic acid (SBA) technology. It is surgically implanted several inches under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor and begins to work after 24 hours.

DiabetesMine notes that the sensor is coated with a fluorescent chemical that. When this chemical is exposed to blood sugar, it produces a small amount of light that is measured by the sensor.

The Smart Transmitter

The Smart Transmitter is held in place on top of the skin over the sensor. It is attached with a mild silicone-based adhesive. The transmitter is a flat black disk that is a little thinner than two stacked quarters but bigger than the FreeStyle Libre sensor. It sends data to your smartphone every 5 minutes.

Unlike other systems, this transmitter can be removed for short periods of time without wasting your sensor.

Also, unlike other systems, the sensor must be recharged daily for 10-15 minutes using a cable that is provided with the system. There is no one to restart this sensor once it expires.

The Receiver

There is no alternate receiver with this system. Readings are transmitted directly to an app downloaded to you iOS or Android smartphone.

Who can wear it

The Eversense E3 is approved for use in those over 18 years of age who have a prescription. This sensor does require a small, in office procedure for insertion and removal.

How accurate is it

According to the PROMISE study which was completed in May of 2020, the Eversense E3 has a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.5%. MARD is the average of the absolute error between all CGM values and matched reference values. A result of 8.5% makes it the most accurate continuous glucose monitor currently approved by the FDA. The Dexcom G6 has a MARD of 9%. The Guardian Sensor 3 is listed as having a MARD of 8.7% and the Libre 3 is the least accurate at 9.2%.

Features of the Eversense E3

Besides only having to change out your sensor basically twice a year, other key features of this CGM include:

• Glucose readings are available 24/7. They are sent to your phone every 5 minutes and trend arrows help you to see where your readings are and where they are headed before your blood sugar levels spikes or plummets.
• Pop-up messages or sound alerts can be sent to your phone to alert you to highs or lows. You can also set the system to vibrate on your arm by using the customizable settings.

Where can you get it?

The Eversense 3 will be available through your health care provider in the US in the second quarter of 2022. If you are interested in trying this system, you can sign up at www.eversensediabetes.com/get-started-today  and they will let you know when it becomes commercially available.