Sam Brusco, Associate Editor06.03.22
Abbott is developing a new biowearable that will continuously monitor glucose and ketone levels with one sensor. It has earned breakthrough device designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
"Abbott revolutionized diabetes care with FreeStyle Libre technology, which is the number one continuous glucose monitor used by 4 million people around the world," Jared Watkin, senior VP of Abbott's diabetes care business told the press. "We're designing our glucose-ketone monitoring system with superior sensing technology that will pair with industry-leading insulin pumps to create a best-in-class solution. We're optimistic that this will be the next big advancement in diabetes tech and a breakthrough for people with diabetes, especially those who are at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis."
The sensor will be about the same size as the company’s recently FDA cleared FreeStyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring CGM sensor—about two stacked U.S. pennies—and connect to Abbott’s digital ecosystem of personal and caregiver mobile apps and software for remote monitoring.
The continuous glucose-ketone monitor will be especially helpful for people with diabetes at higher risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), when ketone levels rise to dangerous levels in the blood. Current ketone testing methods through blood or urine are costly and burdensome to patients.
Abbott is conducting clinical studies on the glucose-ketone monitoring system, with pivotal trials slated to take place next year. The company also plans to partner with insulin pump makers to make the system interoperable with insulin delivery systems.
"In my practice, I've seen numerous cases of DKA in teens and children, which could have been prevented with continuous ketone monitoring," said Dr. Kurt Midyett, pediatric endocrinologist and medical director at Midwest Pediatric Specialist. "Bringing people with diabetes the ability to continuously monitor both glucose and ketones in a single, intuitive device is an important step forward in diabetes care, as it will allow patients to detect rising ketone levels and intervene before full-blown DKA develops."
"Abbott revolutionized diabetes care with FreeStyle Libre technology, which is the number one continuous glucose monitor used by 4 million people around the world," Jared Watkin, senior VP of Abbott's diabetes care business told the press. "We're designing our glucose-ketone monitoring system with superior sensing technology that will pair with industry-leading insulin pumps to create a best-in-class solution. We're optimistic that this will be the next big advancement in diabetes tech and a breakthrough for people with diabetes, especially those who are at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis."
The sensor will be about the same size as the company’s recently FDA cleared FreeStyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring CGM sensor—about two stacked U.S. pennies—and connect to Abbott’s digital ecosystem of personal and caregiver mobile apps and software for remote monitoring.
The continuous glucose-ketone monitor will be especially helpful for people with diabetes at higher risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), when ketone levels rise to dangerous levels in the blood. Current ketone testing methods through blood or urine are costly and burdensome to patients.
Abbott is conducting clinical studies on the glucose-ketone monitoring system, with pivotal trials slated to take place next year. The company also plans to partner with insulin pump makers to make the system interoperable with insulin delivery systems.
"In my practice, I've seen numerous cases of DKA in teens and children, which could have been prevented with continuous ketone monitoring," said Dr. Kurt Midyett, pediatric endocrinologist and medical director at Midwest Pediatric Specialist. "Bringing people with diabetes the ability to continuously monitor both glucose and ketones in a single, intuitive device is an important step forward in diabetes care, as it will allow patients to detect rising ketone levels and intervene before full-blown DKA develops."