Abbott Secures CE Mark for World's First Dual Glucose-Ketone Sensor, as Dexcom Previews Dexcom G8

The continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) market is undergoing a major technological evolution as device manufacturers pivot to capture a broader user base, including patients on GLP-1 medications and those at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). On May 27, 2026, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) announced that it secured Europe's CE Mark for Libre Duo and Libre Duo 10 Day, the world's first dual-analyte continuous glucose and ketone sensing systems.

Concurrently, chief competitor Dexcom (NASDAQ: DXCM) recently unveiled details of its upcoming Dexcom G8 CGM during its May 2026 Investor Day, signaling a divergent strategy in multi-analyte sensing.

Abbott's Libre Duo: A New Category of Biowearables

1. Clinical Utility and DKA Prevention

The Libre Duo systems represent the first two-in-one biowearables capable of continuously and simultaneously monitoring both glucose and ketones from a single sensor. This removes the need for traditional, painful fingerstick blood ketone tests or urine strips.

• Hyperglycemic Crises: The CDC reported that in 2021, hospitalizations for hyperglycemic crises (such as DKA) were more than four times higher than hospitalizations for hypoglycemia. Early detection of rising ketones is critical to preventing DKA.
• AID Integration: Abbott is already collaborating with insulin pump manufacturers to integrate Libre Duo data directly into automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.

2. Commercial Launch and Regulatory Timelines

• Europe: Abbott plans to launch Libre Duo and Libre Duo 10 Day in select European countries later this year (2026). The Libre Duo features a 15-day wear time for adults, while the 10-day version is approved for individuals aged 2 and older.
• United States: The system is currently under active review by the FDA. Abbott CEO Robert Ford previously indicated that the company expects U.S. clearance in the second half of 2026.

Dexcom's Strategy: Dexcom G8 and Potassium Sensing

While Abbott has taken the lead in ketone sensing, Dexcom is pursuing a different multi-analyte path focused on cardiorenal health.

• Dexcom G8 Unveiled: At its Investor Day on May 14-15, 2026, Dexcom shared the first details of its next-generation Dexcom G8 sensor. The G8 features a 50% smaller form factor than the G7, a novel silicon chip design, an adaptive accuracy algorithm, and an anticipated 15-day wear time. Launch is projected for late 2027 or early 2028.
• Divergent Dual-Sensing Focus: Rather than targeting ketones, Dexcom's leadership announced that its long-term multi-analyte pipeline will prioritize glucose and potassium sensing to support the massive population of patients suffering from both diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).