Medtronic and Qualcomm to collaborate on diabetes monitoring technology

Medtronic has announced a new technology research collaboration with Qualcomm in the field of diabetes.

The global, multi-year collaboration aims to jointly develop future generation continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems to improve health outcomes for people with diabetes by making it easier to track their glucose levels and tailor treatment accordingly.

Medtronic will leverage its market leadership in diabetes management and ally it to Qualcomm's expertise in developing reference designs for wireless, single-use and small integrated modules.

This will facilitate the creation of more affordable and easier-to-use CGM systems, including a new sensor and smaller design, to provide near real-time and retrospective glucose data.

The collaboration will begin with the development of a single-use CGM system designed for use by GPs providing care for people with type 2 diabetes.

Laura Stoltenberg, vice-president and general manager for non-intensive diabetes therapies at Medtronic, said: "We are thrilled to be collaborating with Qualcomm Life … to develop innovative and affordable CGM systems that will fundamentally change type 2 diabetes management."