A New Tool for Ketone Monitoring: What the FDA Approval Means for Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the body doesn't have enough insulin. Without sufficient insulin, the body breaks down fat for energy, producing ketones—acids that build up in the blood. When ketone levels become very high, they can poison the bloodstream and require emergency medical care.

DKA is a real concern for people with Type 1 diabetes. Research shows that 4% to 8% of adults with Type 1 diabetes experience DKA each year. For children and adolescents, the numbers are even more striking: up to 80% present with DKA at the time of their initial Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

Despite how serious DKA is, many people with Type 1 diabetes don't have ketone testing supplies at home and rarely—or never—check their ketone levels. This gap in monitoring can delay recognition of rising ketone levels, reducing the opportunity for early intervention.

In October 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Abbott's Libre Duo 10 Day, marking a significant milestone: it is the world's first device to continuously monitor both glucose and ketones. The device is approved for use in people ages 2 and older, including very young children.

The major advantage of dual monitoring is early detection. By tracking ketone levels in real time, people with Type 1 diabetes and their families can spot rising ketones before they reach dangerous levels. This early warning gives them the opportunity to take action—such as consulting their healthcare provider—before a medical emergency develops.

For those at higher risk of DKA, this technology offers a particularly valuable safety net. The device puts continuous ketone information directly into the hands of patients and caregivers, removing the need to remember to test periodically or to have testing supplies on hand.

Several factors can influence ketone production in people with Type 1 diabetes. Changes in blood sugar levels, insulin doses, and insulin resistance can all affect how many ketones the body produces. Understanding these triggers can help people anticipate when they might need to pay closer attention to their ketone levels.

Certain medications can also influence ketone risk. For example, a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors (which lower blood sugar by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose) can affect ketone formation, which is why anyone taking these medications should be aware of their impact on ketone levels.

The approval of the first dual glucose-ketone monitoring device represents an important advance in Type 1 diabetes technology. By making ketone monitoring continuous and accessible, this tool has the potential to help more people detect early warning signs of DKA and prevent this serious complication.

While this technology is now available, it is one part of a comprehensive approach to Type 1 diabetes management. People with Type 1 diabetes should work with their healthcare team to understand how to use this tool as part of their overall care plan.

Origin: breakthrought1d.org (News report). Evidence: News report, corroborated with 3 indexed studies. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.