#China #Shenzhen #Digital Therapeutics #Diabetes Care #AGP DTx Summit

AGP & DTx Summit: Transforming Diabetes Care

In May 2026, the 4th AGP & DTx Summit concluded successfully in Shenzhen, China, under the theme "Beyond Glucose." This event, co-organized by SIBIONICS, gathered a diverse group of international experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocates to delve into the innovative roles that Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) data can play in enhancing diabetes management.

The Main Message: Beyond Monitoring

The core message of the summit emphasized that CGM should not merely serve as a monitoring tool; its value stretches far beyond that. The ultimate goal is to leverage blood glucose data to gain clinical insights, inform treatment decisions, and encourage meaningful behavior modifications among patients.

Prof. Andrej Janež, from the International Consortium for AGP DTx Research and Development, presented a progress report indicating that over the past two years, 20 studies initiated by researchers in 14 countries have been funded. These studies primarily focus on CGM and CKM (Continuous Ketone Monitoring) research, exploring areas such as accuracy in specific patient populations, dietary habits, blood sugar responses, AI-based platforms, and applications for clinical monitoring.

Clinical Significance of Digital Therapeutics

Adding depth to the discussion, Prof. Sofianos Andrikopoulos highlighted the clinical relevance of digital therapeutics (DTx). He pointed out that DTx can integrate software-driven interventions, lifestyle coaching, medication adherence support, and comprehensive care models into a cohesive treatment approach. Data presented at the summit illustrated that DTx led to an average reduction of HbA1c levels by 0.54 percentage points, affirming the effectiveness of this approach within structured diabetes interventions.

From the perspective of clinical phenotyping, Prof. Wei Qiang discussed how combining routine admission data with CGM and AGP data could help identify metabolic phenotypes and treatment responses in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. This integration promotes more targeted, personalized care.

The Role of Data-Driven Management

Addressing the limitations of CGM, Prof. Shannon Lin noted the necessity of data-driven management. Studies have shown significant interest from both doctors and patients in utilizing CGM alongside AI for predictive insights and personalized recommendations. Additionally, Prof. Xiao Luo shared findings indicating that the combination of CGM and CKM effectively tracks glucose and ketone fluctuations during fasting and eating phases, enhancing the feasibility of metabolic interventions.

Tom Vesely, a patient advocate living with type 1 diabetes for nearly 40 years, reminded attendees that CGM provides visibility into daily blood sugar variations. However, he stressed that the objective should go beyond merely increasing "time in range"; it should also focus on achieving more "time of happiness" for patients.

Conclusion: A New Era in Diabetes Management

Overall, the discussions at the AGP & DTx Summit illustrate a pivotal shift in diabetes management. The emphasis is transitioning from mere monitoring towards fostering behavior changes that can significantly enhance patients' quality of life, marking a new chapter in diabetes care that utilizes the full potential of technological advancements.