Over the last decade, diabetes management tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and connected insulin pens have undergone exponential growth. These technologies are being more readily adopted to manage diabetes because of their increased availability.

Diabetes management technology is rapidly moving toward fully automated, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven management, focusing on CGMs, smart insulin delivery systems, and non-invasive monitoring. A major shift toward home-based management is happening, with consumers using smartphone-connected devices for real-time monitoring and better glycemic control.

The tech is shifting from niche, medical-only devices to consumer-driven, AI-powered health monitoring that emphasizes lifestyle optimization alongside disease management. It’s important to remember that the main end-users of these technologies are patients, not doctors.

“People with diabetes are looking for devices that fit into their lives, not the other way around, which is driving innovation around smaller form factors, flexible wear options, smartphone control, and fewer device changes,” said Elizabeth Gasser, chief strategy and product officer at Tandem Diabetes Care, a manufacturer of automated insulin delivery systems. “Convenience, discretion, and personalization are now just as important as performance, particularly for younger users and those new to pump therapy.”

Diabetes tech is increasingly focused on performance, awareness, and optimization for a broader audience, not just people with strict medical needs. 

“Consumer health adds another dimension, shaped by two powerful trends: the self-care movement and the ‘measure-me’ mindset,” said Eric Benjamin, executive VP and chief operating officer at Insulet, maker of the Omnipod wearable, tubeless insulin pump. “Consumers increasingly seek control over their health without added complexity, while wearable technology fuels demand for actionable, non-intrusive data. In this space, brand trust is paramount. Understanding daily habits and delivering reliable performance creates exceptional experiences that foster loyalty and confidence.”

Remote continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enables continuous, real-time sharing of glucose data from a wearable sensor to smartphones or tablets so caregivers and providers can track levels remotely. Devices send glucose data to a smartphone app, which then streams it to followers in the cloud.

Remote monitoring provides alerts for high or low blood sugar, which can be crucial for nighttime monitoring.

“With technology like glucose biosensing, people don’t have to wait to see a doctor or for an annual A1c test to understand what’s happening in their bodies,” said Girish Naganathan, EVP and chief technology officer at Dexcom, a manufacturer of continuous glucose monitoring systems for diabetes management. “They can now see cues in real time with glucose biosensing and use that information to make immediate treatment or lifestyle changes.”

“Consumers expect the same level of innovation and personalization from their glucose biosensor as they do from any other piece of technology they use—and we’ve long recognized that,” Naganathan went on.

Since they first became available, progress has been made to ensure coverage of these devices for patients. Reimbursement is possible through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance for patients with Type 1 or insulin-using Type 2 diabetes, usually classified under durable medical equipment (DME).

Most commercial plans (Aetna, Cigna, UHC, BCBS) cover devices, with many users only paying $0-20 a month for sensors.

“The market is sending a clear message: people want diabetes technology that’s simple, affordable, and accessible and not complicated or costly,” said Katie Walker, spokesperson for Abbott Laboratories, a company that specializes medical devices, including continuous glucose monitoring systems. “That’s exactly why FreeStyle Libre has become the world’s most widely used CGM. More than 7 million people across 60 plus countries trust Libre because it delivers real‑time insight at roughly half the cost of other leading systems. And in the U.S., more people pay $0 for Libre than any other CGM.”

Sweet Relief

A continuous glucose monitor is a wearable device that monitors blood sugar levels using a sensor inserted under the skin, usually on the arm or stomach. CGMs reduce the need for fingerstick tests and provide continuous data, including trends and alerts, to a smartphone or receiver.

The sensor measures the glucose in interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells) 24/7, with a transmitter sending data to the device. Users can see real-time, 24-hour trends and receive alerts for high and low glucose in order to enable preventative action.

Sensors usually last 10-14 days, but Dexcom launched its 15-day sensor, Dexcom G7 15 Day, in December. The sensor has an overall MARD of 8% and can be worn for up to 15.5 days, allowing fewer monthly sensor changes and reduced monthly waste.

The company also earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its CGM-integrated Smart Basal insulin dosing optimizer in November. It was made available to adults with Type 2 diabetes on glargine U-100 long-acting insulin therapy.

The technology uses G7 15 Day CGM sensor data and logged insulin doses to calculate personalized daily recommendations. The company hopes to guide users toward a more effective long-acting insulin dose, as directed by their doctor.

“Dexcom Smart Basal begins with an initial basal insulin dose set by a healthcare provider,” said Naganathan. “Users will receive daily dose recommendations and reminders in the Dexcom G7 15 Day app. Dexcom Smart Basal looks at a user’s CGM readings to adjust their personalized insulin dose recommendation, instead of using a single fasting blood glucose measurement. If low glucose events occur, Dexcom Smart Basal lowers the user’s insulin dose recommendation by the amount set by their healthcare provider.”

The other side of the diabetes management equation are insulin pumps—small, computerized wearable devices that deliver rapid-acting insulin 24/7, mimicking a functioning pancreas to manage diabetes. They provide precise, functional basal doses and mealtime boluses to improve glucose control and reduce severe hypoglycemia.

A tubed (tethered) insulin pump has a long, thin tube that connects the pump to a cannula under the skin to deliver insulin. It consists of a pump made of durable plastic or metal that contains a cartridge (reservoir) of insulin, as well as tubing several inches long that connects the reservoir of insulin in the pump to an infusion set on the skin.

Tubeless insulin pumps (patch pumps) also use a cannula under the skin, but the insulin reservoir and cannula are part of one “pod” that sits on the skin with an adhesive patch.

According to Tandem, its Tandem Mobi insulin pump is the smallest durable AID system. It’s powered by Control-IQ+ technology, which the company said provides day one improvements, 79% time in range, and 90% overnight time in range.

The Mobi pump received FDA clearance for diabetes patients aged six and up in 2023. In 2024, the pump became compatible with the Dexcom G7 CGM system.

“As Tandem’s smallest pump, Tandem Mobi gives users multiple wear options, including on body, clipped, or pocketed use, allowing people to choose what best fits their lifestyle and comfort preferences,” said Gasser. “The pump is also fully controllable from a compatible smartphone, enabling users to deliver insulin and manage therapy directly from their phone rather than a dedicated pump screen.”

In November, the Tandem Mobi mobile app earned an FDA nod for Android smartphones. The app lets users manage their diabetes—its interface and secure connectivity to the Tandem Source platform helps support engagement between patients and healthcare providers. The app is downloadable from the Google Play Store on compatible smartphones, including Google Pixel models 6 through 10 and Samsung Galaxy models S21 through S25.

In December, Insulet’s Omnipod 5 AID system earned FDA 510(k) clearance for enhancements to its algorithm. They set a new benchmark in tubeless diabetes technology by providing a lower 100 mg/dL Target Glucose option and a more seamless automated experience, the company said.

“The enhanced algorithm is designed to deliver better glycemic control and reduce device interactions,” said Benjamin. “Our goal with these updates, which are anticipated to launch in the United States in the first half of 2026, is to improve clinical outcomes while making the Pod experience simpler, more personalized, and so seamless it disappears into everyday life.”

The new Target Glucose tool expands Omnipod 5’s customization range to six settings between 100-150 mg/dL in 10 mg/dL increments. The flexibility lets healthcare providers tailor insulin delivery more precisely to support people seeking tighter glucose management, or those aiming to meet specific glucose goals.

The upgraded algorithm helps users remain in Automated Mode with fewer interruptions, even during prolonged high glucose events. The advancements were engineered to provide strong clinical results with more flexibility and greater ease of use, with less interruptions to daily life.

Combining a continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump creates an automated insulin delivery system, sometimes referred to as a “hybrid closed-loop system” or “artificial pancreas” that automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on real-time glucose data.

For a system like this, the CGM sends glucose readings every few minutes to the insulin pump. A built-in algorithm analyzes the data to automatically increase, decrease, or suspend insulin delivery to keep glucose levels in a target range.

Tandem’s t:slim X2 insulin pump became available with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor integration in the U.S. in October. Updated software for FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor integration is preloaded on all new t:slim X2 pump shipments and is available to all eligible t:slim X2 pump users through a software update.

“Glucose readings from the Libre 3 Plus sensor connect directly into Tandem’s Control-IQ+ technology, which can predict where glucose levels are headed and automatically adjusts basal insulin delivery every five minutes to help prevent highs and lows,” said Gasser. “The system can also deliver an automatic correction bolus when glucose is predicted to exceed target levels, helping address missed or delayed boluses and reducing the day-to-day management burden for users.”

Expanded CGM choice with an automated insulin delivery system helps clinicians to better personalize treatment and supports broader access to guideline-recommended technology for patients relying on insulin.

In December, medtech giant Medtronic began the broad U.S. launch of the MiniMed 780G system integrated with Abbott’s Instinct sensor, which was designed exclusively for MiniMed systems.

The Instinct sensor is based on Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, which is small, thin, and discreet with a wear time of up to 15 days. When it’s paired with MiniMed 780G, the Instinct sensor offers real-time glucose readings that the system uses to automate insulin adjustments every five minutes.

“Integrating the Instinct sensor with Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G means Libre technology is now connected with every major insulin delivery company worldwide,” said Walker. “That’s a milestone—not just for Abbott, but for everyone living with diabetes. Our mission is to make diabetes care effortless, and connectivity is key. The more connected Libre becomes, the more choices people have in managing their condition.”

In January, Abbott introduced Libre Assist, a food logging feature in its Libre app. It leverages generative artificial intelligence (AI) to predict how food choices might impact glucose levels. Traditional food logging apps only provide feedback after a meal is logged—Libre Assist helps people make informed mealtime decisions before eating.

“With Libre Assist, you just snap a photo of your meal, and the app instantly predicts its glucose impact using an easy green‑yellow‑orange rating,” said Walker. “It even offers quick tips to help reduce that impact before you take your first bite. After the meal, it pairs that prediction with your actual Libre CGM data, so you can see exactly how your body responded.”

Before eating, users take a photo or enter a text description of their food. The algorithm identifies those ingredients and predicts the meal’s potential glucose impact by showing a color-coded rating: green for minor, yellow for moderate, and orange for major. It also offers practical meal tips to lower potential glucose impact—for example, choosing plain Greek yogurt instead of flavored or eating leafy greens and proteins before starches.

July saw the release of an AI-powered meal logging feature for Dexcom’s Stelo over-the-counter glucose biosensor. The New Smart Food Logging feature encourages and allows users to log meals more consistently. Users take a photo of their food in the app, where AI will automatically identify the ingredients and populate the meal description.

In May, Stelo began integration with the Oura app. When Stelo is synced with Oura, users receive a holistic view of their biometrics, including glucose. This lets users understand the impact of different health behaviors and work toward optimal metabolic health, the company said.

On the Horizon

Naganathan said that as the company looks ahead, the continued rollout of Dexcom G7 15 Day and launch of Smart Basal will help patients make more proactive, informed decisions with confidence. The company is also continuing to build on its legacy of innovation and delivering a reimagined Stelo app experience with an advanced user interface and more robust capabilities to help glucose-curious users learn more about their health.

“To ensure our technology is available to those who can benefit from it, we’re accelerating our global expansion and improving access to glucose biosensing by building a new manufacturing facility in Ireland, strengthening our international presence, and pursuing clinical evidence that will unlock coverage to glucose biosensing for more people across the globe,” said Naganathan.

Gasser said that Tandem is looking forward to expanding access to insulin pumps and supplies through pharmacy benefit coverage. In Q3 2025, the company increased coverage for Tandem Mobi users to over 40% of U.S. lives and introduced t:slim X2 supplies through pharmacy channels. The costs might be significantly lower for those with pharmacy benefits included in their health plan.

She also said the company will be unveiling enhancements to its existing platforms like extended-wear infusion set technologies and algorithm improvements. The company is continuing to support efforts to expand diabetes tech to those who may benefit.

“For example, Tandem has been a supporter of the drive to remove the c-peptide test requirement for insulin pump coverage through Medicare for people with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy,” said Gasser. “While many commercial plans cover AID systems, Medicare often requires c-peptide testing, which can limit access for people with Type 2 diabetes who could still benefit, and CMS is currently reviewing the language on this topic.”

In addition to the Omnipod 5 algorithm enhancements and integration with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor in 2026, Benjamin said the company is also introducing Omnipod Discover, a new data platform that provides customers and healthcare providers with actionable insights to simplify diabetes management. Discover generates insights that are designed to offer guidance and reassurance to users, as well as make it easier for healthcare providers to prescribe Omnipod.

“In 2027, we intend to launch Omnipod 6, which is designed to dramatically reduce the burden of managing diabetes with improved connectivity, real-time updates to customers, and more personalized automation designed to enhance clinical outcomes,” said Benjamin.

“In 2028, we intend to launch our fully closed loop system for people with Type 2 diabetes,” he went on. “This system is designed to eliminate manual inputs, so that it’s as easy for primary care providers to prescribe as a CGM. There are 5.5 million people with Type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy, with only 25% achieving recommended glucose targets set by the American Diabetes Association. Many of these are cared for by primary care physicians, who need a product specifically designed for their needs, and the needs of people living with Type 2 diabetes. That’s exactly what we’re developing.”

Walker said that Abbott is developing a new biowearable that will continuously monitor glucose and ketone levels with one sensor. The technology has earned breakthrough device designation from the FDA.

“The next big step for Abbott’s diabetes care business is our dual glucose‑ketone sensor.  It’s something that’s never been done before,” said Walker. “It has the potential to rewrite the playbook for people who use insulin by helping them catch rising ketones sooner and prevent dangerous, life threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.”

The sensor will be about the same size as the company’s FreeStyle Libre 3 CGM sensor and connect to its 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.

“The dual glucose-ketone sensor will be designed to work seamlessly within our digital ecosystem, so people, caregivers, and clinicians all get real‑time insights,” said Walker. “The future of diabetes tech is smarter, more connected, and more predictive—and that’s exactly where Abbott is headed.”

Powering Diabetes Innovation
Manufacturing partners are critical for advancing diabetes technology by allowing medical device companies to scale efficiently, control costs, and maintain regulatory compliance. Diabetes devices require precision engineering, strict quality systems, and traceable production processes—experienced manufacturing partners offer expertise in design for manufacturing, component sourcing, cleanroom assembly, electronics integration, and global distribution.

In order to glean more insights about the diabetes technology manufacturing industry, MPO spoke to Neil Muchin, VP of sales at Cordica Medical, a Knoxville, Tenn.-based provider of end-to-end solutions for advanced medical device design and manufacturing.

Sam Brusco: What trends are you noticing in diabetes technology and the market?
Neil Muchin: Size is shrinking, while time on the body is increasing. This requires creative engineering to identify appropriate materials to meet these needs. Also, as the industry continues to grow, we are finding that high-speed automation is needed to meet increasing volumes so designing products for automated assemblies is paramount for our customers’ success.

Brusco: In what capacity does the company support diabetes technology manufacturing?
Muchin: Our three adhesive converting facilities in Haverhill, Mass., Chino, Calif., and Singapore provide custom adhesive components for continuous glucose monitoring and insulin infusion products. With our injection molding and assembly solutions, we also provide customers and prospects the ability to work with one company who can deploy many capabilities, instead of needing to work with multiple suppliers.

Brusco: Why should manufacturers enlist your company’s help with their manufacturing projects?
Muchin: As the industry continues to grow, the leading manufacturers as well as startups need companies like ours who have expertise in adhering products to the body and assisting in material selection, along with design for manufacturing. While adhering to the body is critical to the function of their devices, we must not forget there must be a good bond between the device and the skin adhesive too. Our engineering teams are very skilled to assist in the custom design of components that combine multiple adhesive solutions to ensure the product functions properly.