A sensor that watches glucose and ketones: the twiist-Abbott plan
Sequel plans to pair its twiist automated pump with a future Abbott sensor that measures both glucose and ketones, aiming to warn of DKA risk earlier.
Two US companies have said they plan to build a sensor that tracks glucose and ketones at the same time, working alongside an automated insulin pump. The aim is to warn of rising ketones, and the risk of DKA, earlier than a glucose reading alone can. It is an early plan, the sensor is still being developed, and none of it is available in the UK. What has not changed: checking ketones when you are unwell already matters today.
- Ketones are acids your body makes when there is not enough insulin. If they build up they can cause DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), a dangerous emergency.
- The plan pairs a future Abbott sensor that reads glucose and ketones with the twiist automated pump made by a company called Sequel.
- An automated insulin delivery system is a pump and sensor working together to manage insulin, sometimes called a closed loop.
- This is early-stage and US-based, so it is a signal of where devices are heading, not something to wait for.
What was actually announced
In May 2025 Sequel Med Tech said it intends to integrate Abbott’s future glucose and ketone sensor with its twiist automated insulin delivery system. The stated aim is to improve early identification of rising ketones so the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis can be spotted sooner. Today, most people check ketones with a separate finger-prick or urine test, usually only when they feel unwell or their glucose is high.
The idea of a sensor that watches ketones continuously is genuinely interesting, because DKA can build up while you are getting on with your day. Catching it earlier could matter. But this is a stated plan for a sensor that is still in development, not a product you can buy.
What it changes for you right now
Right now, nothing. The twiist system is not available in the UK, and the combined glucose and ketone sensor does not yet exist as a finished product. This audience has heard plenty of announcements that took years to arrive or never did, so it is fair to file this under early promise rather than something coming soon.
What is worth taking from it is the reminder that ketones deserve respect. If you are unwell, or your glucose is high and you feel rough, checking ketones (blood or urine, whichever your team has set you up with) is one of the most useful things you can do, and a high result is a reason to get help.
Worth knowing about ketones
Questions that make an appointment useful
When it's urgent
Ketones can turn into an emergency, so know the red flags. If you are being sick, drowsy, breathing heavily or fast, have stomach pain, or your breath smells fruity, alongside a high glucose, this can be DKA and you should call 999 or go straight to A and E. Testing must never delay the call. If you feel unwell or your glucose is high but you are not this sick, check ketones if you can and contact your diabetes team or NHS 111 now, because a high ketone reading is itself a reason to seek urgent help.