New technology for patients with diabetes available in the Valley

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A major breakthrough on the market for people with diabetes as the FDA recently approved a first of its kind long-term implantable glucose monitor. Fox 10's Danielle Miller sat down with one of the first patients in Arizona to benefit from the new technology and the doctor who now offers the treatment.

"I've been waiting for something like this for a long time," said Robert Mailard.

Robert Mailard has struggled with type one diabetes for six years. Thanks to new technology, his life just got a lot easier.

Robert is one of the first patients in Arizona to get the Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitor.

"It allows me to look at it in real time so I can always keep track," said Mailard.

For the treatment, this tiny device gets implanted in the arm. This device relays a signal for what the blood sugar is to a transmitter that's placed on the upper arm. That information is then sent to a smart phone.

"It will tell you up top in big numbers what your blood sugar is, it's color coded red, green or yellow if you blood sugar is high or low," explained Dr. Amir Harari.

Endocrinologist Amir Harari with Endocrinology Associates says patients will need a new implant every 90 days. The transmitter lasts a year. With the device, you only need to prick your finger twice a day.

"Most mechanical devices need some sort of calibration otherwise the accuracy can go off," says Dr. Harari.

Dr. Harari says along with the convenience, it's also a great safety feature.

"A device like this can warn them, hey you're dropping low, you need to do something, you need to eat something to prevent a potential disaster," said Dr. Harari.

The monitor is water proof and if for some reason you don't want to wear it at a particular time, you can easily take it off and put it back on.

The procedure from start to finish takes about 10 minutes.