MiniMed announced an expansion of its partnership with Abbott to bring a dual glucose-ketone sensor to its insulin delivery portfolio, including its line of insulin pumps and smart insulin pens. The agreement builds on MiniMed’s existing work with Abbott, which already produces the Instinct CGM for MiniMed systems, and signals that ketone data will become part of automated insulin delivery (AID)and connected injection therapy in the years ahead.

The upcoming sensor is designed to measure both glucose and ketone levels in a single wearable device. That matters because diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, remains one of the most dangerous acute complications of diabetes. There are hundreds of thousands of DKA hospitalizations annually in the U.S. and it continues to be a leading cause of death in children and adults under age 58 with type 1 diabetes. The complication occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to use glucose for energy and instead begins breaking down fat for fuel, leading to a buildup of acid-like ketones in the blood.

One of the biggest challenges is that ketones can rise independently of glucose levels and, in some cases, even when glucose appears in range. That can delay detection of DKA risk, especially if someone is relying only on CGM glucose data to make decisions. Today, ketone monitoring requires separate finger-stick blood tests or urine strips, which are often used only after symptoms have already appeared, when intervention is most urgent and outcomes are less certain.

Abbott’s dual glucose-ketone sensor recently received CE Mark approval and is expected to launch in select European countries later this year. We anticipate U.S. FDA approval could follow soon, though Abbott and MiniMed have not announced a specific U.S. timeline for this MiniMed integration. Abbott has already lined up partnerships with other pump companies to bring its dual sensor to more AID systems.

For MiniMed, the dual sensor would fit into a broader product refresh. The company recently received FDA clearance for MiniMed Flex, its newest insulin pump, which is smaller than the 780G, screenless, and controlled through a smartphone app on iOS and Android. Flex uses MiniMed’s SmartGuard algorithm with Meal Detection technology, holds a 300-unit reservoir, and supports MiniMed’s extended infusion set, which can last up to seven days.

Beyond Flex, MiniMed is also developing MiniMed Fit, a tubeless patch pump, and Vivera, its next-generation fully closed-loop algorithm designed to learn user habits and make meal bolusing optional.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare team before making changes to your treatment.