DexCom is virtually immune to AGI disruption -- its business manufactures physical medical devices that address a biological condition, operating in a heavily regulated market where AI serves as a product enhancer rather than a threat.
DexCom is the market leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes. The company designs, manufactures, and markets wearable sensors that continuously track glucose levels in real-time, replacing or supplementing traditional finger-stick blood glucose testing. DexCom's CGM systems include a small sensor inserted under the skin, a transmitter, and a smartphone/receiver app that displays glucose readings, trends, and alerts. The company serves both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients, including those on intensive insulin therapy and, increasingly, those managing diabetes with non-insulin medications. DexCom has expanded internationally and is pursuing the broader Type 2 and pre-diabetes/wellness markets.
DexCom serves people with diabetes (approximately 537 million globally), primarily Type 1 diabetes patients (who must use insulin) and increasingly Type 2 diabetes patients (the much larger market). Customers access DexCom through healthcare providers, pharmacy benefit managers, durable medical equipment (DME) distributors, and pharmacies. Major distribution partners include pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens), DME companies, and international distributors. Payers/insurers are critical indirect customers as reimbursement drives adoption.
AGI cannot replace a physical continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor that sits on a patient's body and measures interstitial glucose levels. DexCom manufactures FDA-approved medical devices -- physical hardware (sensors, transmitters, receivers) -- that address a biological need. The only AI-related disruption angle is that AI could improve glucose prediction algorithms (which DexCom itself is already doing) or help competitors develop better sensors. But the physical sensor, the biocompatible adhesive, the electrochemical sensing technology, and the manufacturing expertise are all firmly in the physical world. DexCom's customers are people with diabetes (Type 1 and increasingly Type 2), healthcare providers prescribing CGMs, and increasingly health-conscious consumers. Diabetes is a growing global epidemic with ~500 million affected worldwide. AGI cannot cure diabetes (that requires biological/pharmaceutical breakthroughs, not intelligence alone).