Irish firm Medtronic is rolling out a smart insulin pen and sensor in one mobile app to help people who use multiple daily injections (MDIs) to control their diabetes.

The MiniMed Go smart MDI system with the Simplera sensor are said to be the first and only option to integrate data from the InPen smart insulin pen and the sensor in one mobile app, The launch is being rolled out gradually across Europe.

The smart MDI system marks a departure from traditional and basic connected insulin pens. It provides real-time, personalised insights, actionable dose alerts, a built-in dose calculator and continuous guidance, all accessible through a smartphone app. This intelligent decision support tool aims to address daily problems faced by those managing diabetes with MDI.

Missing insulin doses (boluses) can significantly impact glycaemic control. Research shows that skipping just two doses per week may increase HbA1C by up to 0.4, raising the risk of both short- and long-term complications. Another study found missing two basal doses or four bolus doses over 14 days was linked to more than a 5% decrease in time in range (TiR). Real-world data from the previous generation of the Medtronic smart MDI system demonstrated that users who responded to more than 75% of missed dose alerts within one hour achieved TiR of 67.2% compared with the mean TiR for the cohort at 55.7%, and up to 71.5% TiR when addressing high blood sugar alerts.

“Real-time actionable alerts are becoming the key to better clinical outcomes for people with diabetes using multiple daily injections,” said Que Dallara, executive vice president of Medtronic. “The MiniMed Go system remembers, reminds and recommends the right dose at the right time so you don´t have to.”

For busy healthcare professionals, the system includes CareLink Clinic MDI reports, that make it easier for clinicians to interpret user data and support more informed patient discussions.

“Smart MDI has fundamentally changed how we care for patients on multiple daily injections,” said Martín Cuesta Hernández, endocrinologist at Hospital Clinico San Carlos in Madrid, Spain. “We’re now making evidence-based decisions instead of relying on assumptions, which has strengthened trust and improved the quality of our conversations with patients. Many people simply tell us they’re delighted because life is easier. Combined with efficient telemedicine delivery, we’re able to provide more personalised, effective care than ever before.”

In Europe, the MiniMed Go system with Simplera sensor is approved for people with insulin-requiring diabetes aged seven years and older, as well as for children aged two to six years under the supervision of an adult caregiver. Compatibility of the Instinct Go sensor, made by Abbott, with MiniMed Go in Europe is pending CE mark approval. Once approved, users will have the choice between a seven-day or 15-day sensor depending on what best fits their needs.

The system provides real-time glucose data, dose calculations, missed dose alerts and actionable guidance, making MDI therapy easier and more connected. The InPen is a reusable smart insulin pen that uses Bluetooth to send dose information to a mobile app. Offering dose calculations and tracking, InPen helps take some of the mental maths out of diabetes management.

Headquartered in Galway, Ireland, Medtronic (www.Medtronic.com) is a healthcare technology company with a team of 95,000 people across more than 150 countries. Its technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools and patient monitoring systems.