Abbott has received authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its innovative Libre Duo 10 Day device, which is hailed as the first wearable technology that continuously monitors both glucose and ketone levels with a single sensor. This advancement is crucial for day-to-day diabetes management as it not only tracks glucose but also provides alerts for rising ketone levels that can indicate the onset of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

DKA primarily affects individuals with type 1 diabetes but can also develop in those with type 2 diabetes, which is more prevalent and often associated with lifestyle factors. The approval for this device marks a significant evolution in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which has traditionally focused solely on glucose levels.

Traditionally, ketone testing required separate blood or urine samples, often conducted only during illness or when glucose levels were elevated. This new device aims to change that by monitoring ketones continuously and alerting users as their levels rise, potentially allowing users to detect problems earlier than they could with conventional methods.

Importance of Monitoring Ketones

Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy due to insufficient insulin. An accumulation of ketones can lead to acidic blood, resulting in DKA, which can escalate to coma or death if not treated promptly. Abbott has highlighted that DKA is a prevalent hyperglycaemic emergency, with hospital admissions increasing markedly in the last decade. Notably, ketones can rise even when glucose levels are not significantly elevated, underscoring the necessity for a dual monitoring approach.

With conventional ketone testing methods, individuals receive only a momentary glimpse of their ketone levels. Continuous monitoring from the new device can track changes over time, indicating whether ketones are remaining stable, increasing, or decreasing. Such data could offer vital warnings well before a crisis emerges, significantly enhancing patient safety.

Medical professionals are optimistic about the implications of this device. Veteran diabetologist Dr Shashank Joshi has praised the technology for its potential to provide early warnings to people with diabetes. This unique capability can give users precious time to respond to rising ketone levels before they escalate into DKA.

The Growing Demand for Diabetes Technology

The emergence of this new technology is timely, as diabetes poses a significant global health challenge. India is home to one of the world’s largest populations of individuals living with diabetes, with approximately 10.1 crore affected and an additional 13.6 crore classified as prediabetic. This escalating health crisis has amplified the need for advanced monitoring tools that deliver more insight than traditional methods.

Continuous glucose monitors have gained traction in India, revolutionising diabetes care since Abbott launched its FreeStyle Libre system in 2020, which offers real-time glucose monitoring without the need for routine finger pricks. The latest version, Libre 2 Plus, introduced in 2025, provides automatic readings every minute along with optional alerts. This shift in management reflects a deeper understanding of diabetes, moving beyond merely identifying high or low glucose levels to recognising patterns and trends.

Research in India is actively exploring CGM-derived data, emphasising the growing integration of such technologies in clinical practices. The dual sensor capability of the new Libre Duo 10 Day device is expected to advance this trend, providing an additional layer of critical metabolic data that can assist healthcare providers and patients in making more informed health decisions.

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