Abbott has received FDA authorisation for the Libre Duo, the first continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track both blood glucose and ketone levels in a single sensor. The device targets diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially fatal complication in which insufficient insulin forces the body to burn fat for energy, producing ketones that can make the blood dangerously acidic. Abbott says DKA is the most common hyperglycaemic emergency among diabetics and the leading cause of related hospitalisations, with cases rising sharply over the past decade, partly because early symptoms resemble flu or infection.

The Libre Duo is worn for ten days at a time, requires a prescription, and measures beta-hydroxybutyrate, a type of ketone, alongside glucose, sending alerts when either reading falls outside a safe range. It integrates with Abbott's existing app and smartwatch support, and lets caregivers monitor a loved one's readings remotely, which is seen as particularly valuable for children with diabetes, among whom DKA risk is a significant concern. Diabetes specialists note that while ketone monitoring has long been standard practice for children, this is the first time it has been combined with glucose tracking in one continuous sensor.