Abbott’s Glucose-Ketone Sensor Gets Four Pump Partners

Abbott is making big moves in diabetes innovation once again—this time with a new sensor that monitors not just glucose but also ketones. And it’s already lining up industry partners to bring it into automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. The upcoming dual-analyte sensor is now in development with announced integration plans from Tandem Diabetes Care, Beta Bionics, Sequel Med Tech (makers of twiist), and Ypsomed. These partnerships suggest broader industry adoption is on the way.

So why ketones? Ketones are byproducts that form when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. While low levels of ketones can be normal—especially during fasting or low-carb diets—high ketone levels can be a sign of insulin deficiency and may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition. Currently, most people with diabetes must check ketones manually using urine strips. A continuous ketone monitor could offer early warning signs and help prevent DKA before it becomes serious.

I spoke with Abbott directly about this new sensor at ATTD 2024 in Florence, where they confirmed active development and integration plans. Watch the interview below for more insights on where the sensor stands and what to expect from its rollout.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Abbott’s ambitions beyond glucose. Back in January 2022, the company announced it was developing a new category of biowearables that could track glucose, ketones, lactate, and alcohol. The glucose-ketone sensor now seems to be one of the first of those technologies moving closer to real-world use.

Meanwhile, Abbott’s existing CGM platform is expanding rapidly. The Libre 3 Plus sensor already integrates with four AID systems in the U.S.—Tandem t:slim X2, mylife Loop, iLet Bionic Pancreas, and the upcoming twiist pump. The company also recently refreshed its mobile app, improving alert customization and overall performance. These updates, along with a growing list of pump partners, show Abbott is serious about becoming a leading force in connected diabetes care.

This dual-analyte sensor could change the game for people at risk of DKA—especially those who may not always recognize the signs or struggle to test ketones consistently—I’m speaking for myself! With AID systems becoming smarter and more responsive, adding ketone data to the loop could be the next major leap.

Do you test your ketones regularly? Would a sensor like this make a difference for you? Let us know in the comments and stay up to date on the latest diabetes tech and news by subscribing to our newsletter.

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