Diabetes Technology Insights: An Interview with Medtronic’s Chief Medical Officer 

T1D Exchange recently spoke with Robert Vigersky, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Medtronic Diabetes and Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University. 

Over the past 10 years at Medtronic, Dr. Vigersky has played an instrumental role in advancing diabetes technology. Here, he shares insights on Medtronic’s latest innovations, including the Instinct and Simplera Sync™ continuous glucose monitoring sensors, and how these advances are transforming diabetes care. 

Dr. Vigersky discussed the significance of these developments, noting, “We’ve seen huge advancements in glucose monitoring technology, from urine testing to blood glucose monitoring and now to continuous glucose monitoring — and this is just one of several technology pathways.”

As we look to the future of diabetes management, Dr. Vigersky’s mission is clear: improving the lives of those with diabetes. In his role at Medtronic, this means developing products that reduce the daily burden of diabetes while supporting better outcomes, like more Time in Range, with less effort.

A key aspect is achieving Time in Range goals while minimizing Time below Range (hypoglycemia). He explained that automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, which combine a glucose sensor with a “smart,” algorithm-driven insulin pump, can help to reduce the risk of low glucose, typically seen with a higher percentage of time spent “in range” with multiple daily injections.

Research supports this, showing AID systems improve Time in Range and A1C, while decreasing hypoglycemia and diabetes distress. 

Given these findings, let’s take a closer look at Medtronic’s latest continuous glucose monitoring technology. 

Instinct versus Simplera Sync™: How do these CGMs compare? 

When it comes to Medtronic’s newest CGM offerings, there are two to compare: the Instinct and Simplera Sync™ sensors.  

The Instinct sensor, developed by Abbott and distributed by Medtronic, has a more compact design and a longer lifespan. “From a physical standpoint, it’s a bit smaller than the Simplera Sync™sensor, but the biggest differentiator is that it lasts up to 15 days,” explained Dr. Vigersky. 

On the other hand, Simplera Sync™ provides up to six-day sensor wear, followed by a 24-hour grace period, meaning it may provide about 7 days of wear.

Both are fully disposable, all-in-one sensors, eliminating the need for a separate, rechargeable transmitter, which was required with the Guardian™ 4 system. Plus, their application is “a world better than it was before,” said Vigersky, simple and quick, hassle-free, with no overtape.

He said this simplified process and streamlined design are helping to reduce the burden associated with wearing a sensor. Notably, both sensors feature a flat, thin form factor, a significant departure from the previous “clamshell” design. 

Sensor Lifespan: Instinct vs. Simplera Sync™ 

That said, the Instinct sensor’s longer lifespan may be more desirable to some, while others may prefer Simplera Sync™ because it allows them to switch their sensor and Medtronic Extended™ infusion set (7-day) for their MiniMed 780G insulin pump system at the same time. “It simplifies life with diabetes,” he said. 

Dr. Vigersky noted that both sensors have their place, but he suspects more people will eventually want the Instinct sensor because it lasts longer. One advantage of longer sensor life, like the 15-day option, is having fewer “day ones,” where sensors, across brands, can struggle with accuracy. 

“Having fewer of these days may lead to better outcomes when compared to a seven-day sensor. However, to what extent is hard to predict, and likely depends more on the individual than the life of a sensor,” he said. 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the features and specifications for the Instinct and Simplera Sync™ sensors: 

Medtronic AID system: MiniMed™ 780G 

When paired with the MiniMed 780G system, these sensors drive advanced automation of insulin delivery, adjusting basal insulin rates every five minutes to maintain optimal glucose levels. When glucose levels exceed 120 mg/dL and a maximum amount of basal insulin is delivered, the system will give additional auto-correction doses up to every 5 minutes, which are predicted and adjusted in real time to help avoid hypoglycemia.

The algorithm has smart safety features embedded, like the “safe meal bolus,” which calculates insulin doses considering “on board” insulin and hypoglycemia risk in the coming 4 hours. This ensures the system prioritizes safety and efficacy, minimizing time below range. 

Medtronic stands out in the industry with its single 24/7 helpline for its products, including its CGM systems. Dr. Vigersky noted this makes for quick, seamless resolutions of problems and questions and eliminates the hassle of navigating multiple manufacturer support lines.  

What’s on the horizon for Medtronic’s insulin pump technology? 

Medtronic is working on not one, but two new insulin pump designs. According to Dr. Vigersky, the company is developing a new pump form factor that’s expected to be screenless, roughly half the size of the current model, and controllable with a smartphone app. They’re also in the process of developing a patch pump — more details to come.

As the diabetes landscape continues to evolve, Medtronic remains committed to developing innovative solutions that empower people to achieve the best outcomes, living healthier, longer lives with less burden. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: This content was developed independently by T1D Exchange and was supported by a contribution from Medtronic.