Medtronic gets FDA clearance for smart pen app using Instinct Sensor by Abbott

Approval of MiniMed Go brings connectivity for 780G.

Image courtesy of Medtronic

Medtronic has received FDA clearance for a new mobile app designed to connect its smart insulin pens with glucose sensing technology developed by Abbott, marking another step towards more connected diabetes management for people who do not use a pump.

The app, called MiniMed™ Go, links Medtronic’s smart insulin pens with the Instinct sensor by Abbott, enabling users to view glucose levels alongside insulin dosing information in a single interface. Medtronic says the app is intended to reduce missed doses and support better day-to-day glucose management.

Designed for people using insulin pens

MiniMed Go is aimed at people who manage diabetes with insulin pens rather than pumps. Features include missed-dose alerts, bolus dose calculations, and guidance on what to do if a dose is delayed or missed. The app also produces software-based reports that can be shared with healthcare professionals to support clinical reviews.

By integrating insulin and glucose data, Medtronic says the app is designed to reduce the mental load associated with daily diabetes management.

What does the data show?

In a retrospective analysis shared by Medtronic:

While MiniMed Go does not deliver insulin automatically, the findings suggest that timely alerts and integrated data can support better outcomes for people using pen therapy.

Abbott partnership and Instinct sensor

MiniMed Go forms part of Medtronic’s broader partnership with Abbott, announced in 2024. Under the agreement, Abbott manufactures the Instinct sensor - based on a FreeStyle Libre 3 - which is exclusively made for use with Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G hybrid closed-loop system and only available through Medtronic.

The Instinct sensor offers a 15-day wear time, longer than Medtronic’s existing CGMs, and is already being used in Medtronic’s latest hybrid closed-loop launch.

Expanding access beyond pumps

Medtronic Diabetes President Que Dallara said the app is intended to extend access to advanced insulin-delivery support for people who prefer insulin pens over pumps.

This reflects a growing recognition that diabetes technology innovation has often centred on pump users, despite many people continuing to choose pens for lifestyle, cost or personal reasons.

What’s next?

Medtronic plans to launch MiniMed Go this spring with plans to extend the app to be used with Medtronic's own Simplera sensor which is currently under FDA review.The company is also in the process of spinning out its diabetes business into a standalone company, MiniMed - expect to see the name change-over soon.

For PWD with smart insulin pens, MiniMed Go represents a step towards more connected, supportive — and potentially less mentally demanding — diabetes care.

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Editor’s note

In the UK, the term 'hybrid closed loop' (HCL) is commonly used to describe systems that automatically adjust basal insulin but still require user input for meals. In the US, similar technology is often referred to as 'automated insulin delivery' (AID). 

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What CGM is not associated or affiliated with Abbott or FreeStyle Libre. Content here and on our websitewww.whatcgm.com does not constitute medical advice or replace the relationship between you and healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

The author of this blog has type 1 diabetes and uses a CGM on NHS prescription.