FDA Approves Medtronic’s MiniMed System for Type 2 Diabetes

The FDA approved Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G system for integration with Abbott’s Instinct sensor as well as use of the system among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a news release.¹ With the MiniMed system’s ability to integrate with other diabetes technology, this dual approval is a significant step in the development of insulin delivery.

“These milestones mark an important next step in our work to bring the proven performance and outcomes of our MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system to more people living with diabetes,” Que Dallara, executive vice president and president of Medtronic Diabetes and CEO designate of MiniMed, said in a news release. “By enabling integration with the Instinct sensor and expanding the MiniMed 780G system to people with T2D, we are advancing a smart dosing ecosystem designed to provide greater choice and flexibility, along with a more seamless experience.”

Just a few weeks ago, Medtronic teased its upcoming collaboration with Abbott’s Instinct continuous glucose monitor (CGM). With the new approval for the MiniMed 780G insulin delivery system, the CGM technology will be manufactured by Abbott, with MiniMed conducting the sales, software, and overall integration of the technology.²

Abbott’s recent development of CGM technology is expected to provide a wealth of benefits for all patients with diabetes. | image credit: Yistocking / stock.adobe.com

READ MORE: Q&A: Supporting Ongoing Insulin Use Through Pharmacy Counseling

According to Diabetech, the MiniMed system will be similar to the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor, which is also manufactured by Abbott. The FreeStyle system is known as the world’s thinnest sensor, providing minute-by-minute glucose readings.³ With the newly approved MiniMed technology, this new CGM will serve similar purposes but will be totally operated by Medtronic.

“Abbott's biowearable technology has long set the standard for accurate, accessible, easy-to-use continuous glucose monitoring,” Chris Scoggins, executive vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business, said in the news release. “Connecting it with the MiniMed 780G system aims to reduce the mental load of daily management, making it easier for people to live with diabetes.”

Abbott’s recent development of CGM technology is expected to provide a wealth of benefits for all patients with diabetes. The company’s Instinct sensor, completely operated by Abbott, is now available to be integrated with the MiniMed 780G sensor. With the Instinct sensor previously approved for patients with type 1 diabetes, the new MiniMed sensor has the ability to integrate with Instinct and is also approved for patients with T2D.

While Medtronic and Abbott’s newly approved technology is not available just yet, this FDA approval for integration and use in patients with T2D is the first step in boosting access to CGMs in the marketplace.

CGMs in general have revolutionized diabetes management in today’s health care landscape. Aside from improving individual diabetes care, the technology has assisted in early diabetes diagnoses, education, and development of automated insulin delivery.⁴

The newly approved MiniMed product, set to hit pharmacy shelves “in the coming weeks,” is yet another development in the significantly growing technology assisting with diabetes management.¹

“People living with T2D who require insulin face daily challenges that affect both their physical health and emotional well-being, including frequent injections, meal planning, and glucose monitoring,” continued the authors of the news release.¹ “Clinical evidence demonstrates that use of the MiniMed™ 780G system can improve glycemic outcomes and reduce treatment burden.”

The MiniMed system is currently available with the Guardian 4 sensor and its effects were confirmed in a trial showing that participants experienced a 0.7% reduction in HbA_1c and an increase in time in range to 81%, with minimal hypoglycemia. In a separate study, the systems translated to an A_1c decrease of 0.8% and further increases of time in range.

All in all, Medtronic, through collaboration with Abbott’s technology, is on a path to continue revolutionizing diabetes management.

“Medtronic Diabetes is on a mission to make diabetes more predictable, so everyone can embrace life to the fullest with the most advanced diabetes technology and always-on support when and how they need it,” the news release read.¹ “We've pioneered first-of-its-kind innovations for over 40 years and are committed to designing the future of diabetes management through next-generation sensors (CGM), intelligent dosing systems, and the power of data science and AI while always putting the customer experience at the forefront.”

READ MORE: Insulin Management Resource Center

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REFERENCES

1. FDA clears MiniMed™ 780G system to enable integration with the Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, and approves use in type 2 diabetes. Medtronic. News Release. September 2, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://news.medtronic.com/2025-09-02-FDA-Clears-MiniMed-TM-780G-System-to-Enable-Integration-with-the-Instinct-Sensor,-Made-by-Abbott,-and-Approves-Use-in-Type-2-Diabetes

2. Eastzer J. Medtronic unveils its upcoming Instinct CGM made by Abbott. Diabetech. August 10, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.diabetech.info/p/medtronic-unveils-its-upcoming-instinct-cgm-made-by-abbott

3. The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor has arrived. Abbott. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.freestyleprovider.abbott/us-en/freestyle-libre-3.html

4. Bender C, Vestergaard P, Cichosz SL. The history, evolution and future of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Diabetology. 2025;6(3):17. https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology6030017