All the facts about the iCan i6 CGM

That’s right! There’s a new option to add to the list of available CGMs in South Africa. The iCan i6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is here, and we’ve got all the facts about it.

What is the iCan i6 CGM?

The iCan i6 is a real-time CGM designed to give you a clearer picture of your glucose levels throughout the day and night. A CGM is a Continuous Glucose Monitor: a sensor that is inserted into your body (usually your stomach, upper arm or thigh) that takes constant blood sugar readings throughout the day.

Like most CGMs, instead of relying only on occasional fingerstick measurements, the iCan i6 continuously measures glucose in the interstitial fluid. What’s different is that these readings are sent to the iCan app every three minutes. 

This allows users to see not only their current glucose level, but also the direction it is moving. It also shows how glucose responds to everyday factors such as food, exercise, medication, and other lifestyle choices.

What makes it different?

There are several features that make the iCan i6 a practical choice for everyday glucose management — from its small, discreet design to the way it turns glucose readings into information that can be easily understood and shared.

Importantly, the iCan i6 is indicated for people aged 2 years and older, making it an option for both adults and children.

Small and discreet

The iCan i6 is designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive for everyday wear. The sensor measures approximately 23.3mm across, is only 3.95mm thick, and weighs around 2g. This small profile makes it easy to fit into an active lifestyle.

15 days of continuous monitoring

One iCan i6 sensor can be worn for up to 15 days, giving users continuous glucose information without having to replace the sensor every few days. This means fewer sensor changes and more time spent focusing on your health rather than managing the device.

Support close to home

Technology is only part of the experience. Local support is available through the iCan Help You call centre, staffed by qualified nurses, with assistance available in 7 of South Africa’s 11 official languages. This gives users access to human support when they need help understanding or using their CGM. 

Real-time data, without routine scanning

The iCan i6 automatically sends glucose readings to a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth every three minutes. Through the iCan CGM app, users can see their current glucose level, trends and direction of change, set personalised alerts, and record events such as meals, exercise and medication. The app also provides useful reports, including Time in Range and Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP). These can help users and their healthcare professionals understand glucose patterns over time.

More than just one app

The iCan ecosystem also makes it possible to share glucose information with the people involved in a person’s care:

• The iCan Reach app empowers caregivers or loved ones to monitor glucose information remotely in real time.
• The iCan Review app gives healthcare professionals the ability to monitor and review data from multiple patients.

The iCan i6 offers exceptional anti-interference – what is anti-interference?

A CGM measures glucose using a sensor that interacts with the body’s interstitial fluid. Interference occurs when another substance affects the sensor’s measurement and causes the displayed glucose value to differ from the actual glucose level.

Substances such as acetaminophen/paracetamol, hydroxyurea, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can cause some CGMs to report glucose readings that are falsely high or otherwise inaccurate.

The iCan i6 uses a third-generation sensor technology designed to resist interference from acetaminophen, hydroxyurea, and vitamin C. This means these substances are less likely to distort the sensor’s glucose measurement.

Why can the iCan i6 CGM be trusted?

When it comes to a CGM, trust should be based on clinical evidence and performance. A CGM should not only perform well when it is brand new; it should also remain consistent throughout the intended wear period.

The iCan i6 has been evaluated in clinical studies involving both adults and children, including people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. These studies have demonstrated strong performance throughout the sensor’s 15-day wear period.

The iCan i6 has a reported MARD of 8.71%, which reflects the accuracy of the sensor when compared with a laboratory reference method.

Since its launch, the iCan evidence base has expanded significantly and now includes more than 500 patients evaluated across prospective multicentre studies performed in Asia, Europe, and the United States, including 212 paediatric patients (2-17 years).

These robust peer-reviewed studies published in leading diabetes journals also demonstrated:

• 99–100% clinically acceptable error-grid performance 
• Stable performance across the full 15-day wear period 
• Excellent clinical safety
• No device-related adverse events 
• No skin-related adverse events

See their study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology here and their study published in the Adis Journal for Diabetes Therapy here.

For users, this means the iCan i6 isn’t simply providing more glucose data — it is providing data supported by clinical evaluation and demonstrated performance across its intended 15-day wear period.

Does it pass the CGM Accuracy Checklist from SA Diabetes Advocacy?

SA Diabetes Advocacy encourages people with diabetes to ask six important questions when choosing a CGM, focusing on how the device was tested, who participated in the studies, and whether the results demonstrate reliable performance.

The iCan i6 has published clinical evidence that addresses many of these important questions. Studies have included people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as children from the age of 2.

Importantly, the iCan system was evaluated at the beginning, middle, and end of its 15-day wear period, rather than only when the sensor was new. The results demonstrated strong and consistent performance throughout the full 15-day wear period.

The clinical study results have also been published in the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes journal, providing independent published clinical evidence beyond the manufacturer’s product information.

What is it compatible with?

The iCan CGM App is available on a range of compatible iOS and Android devices. Sinocare maintains a regularly updated list of supported smartphone models, which can be viewed here: https://www.icancgm.com/support/device-list 

Who is the team behind it?

Patient Focus Africa (PFA) is a healthcare solutions company with 25 years of experience in diagnostics, point-of-care technology, and preventative healthcare.

For Patient Focus, introducing the iCan i6 is about more than bringing another piece of technology to the market.

Their vision is to source healthcare and wellness solutions, both locally and globally, that could empower people to take a more active role in their health.

They understand that technology is only truly valuable when people know how to use it and, more importantly, understand what the information is telling them.

That is why they combine the iCan i6 with product training, technical support, customer service, and ongoing support for healthcare professionals and users, allowing their experience to support not only the technology, but the people using it.

Where can you buy the iCan i6 CGM?

Online directly from Patient Focus Africa: https://patientfocus.co.za/product/ican-i6-cgm/

The iCan i6 is green-listed as a preferred product at all Clicks pharmacies, and can also be found at:

• Circle Pharmacy in Somerset West, Western Cape
• Cylnor Pharmacy in Somerset West, Western Cape

The iCan CGM is currently covered by Medscheme and Momentum medical aids (scheme and plan dependent).

Get in touch with the iCan team using their ICan Help You Line: 010 001 1027.

Have you used the iCan i6 CGM? What did you think? Tell us below or on Facebook!