New Profile Standardizes Data Collection and Measurement Method for Bluetooth Smart® Enabled Glucose Monitors

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) recently adopted the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Profile (CGM), developed by the Medical Device Working Group, to standardize data collection, measurement and delivery for Bluetooth Smart glucose monitors. Bluetooth Smart continues to bring wireless convenience to medical devices while empowering patients and medical providers alike with accurate pictures of activity, health, and in this case, blood sugar levels.

“Bluetooth wireless technology, led by Bluetooth Smart, makes it possible for developers and OEMS to build wireless wearable devices – watches, glasses, fitness trackers – that work reliably with the products consumers already own,” said Errett Kroeter, senior marketing director for the Bluetooth SIG. “We are seeing this same market enablement start to play out in the medical industry, thanks to the flexibility, interoperability and global accessibility of Bluetooth Smart. The CGM profile is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Accurate testing and monitoring is an essential element in managing and treating, not only diabetes, but most medical issues. Bluetooth Smart enabled sensors can give patients and medical providers a more accurate, full-picture look at the body’s response to a prescribed treatment plan, delivering imperative information in real time. This live-saving potential will lead to connectivity growth in the medical industry in the coming years.

“Devices in health and wellness monitoring applications are projected to grow from 2.9 million in 2013 to 17.1 million in 2018,” said Lee Ratliff, principal analyst, connectivity and IoT for IHS Technology (NYSE: IHS). “Of total health and wellness devices, 851,000 were Bluetooth Smart enabled in 2013; this figure is projected to reach 13.2 million annually by 2018.”

The Bluetooth SIG will be speaking at mHealth Summit today and tomorrow on two panel sessions: ‘Designing the Medical Home: Meeting the Needs of Consumers and Providers’ and ‘Interoperability: Recent Standards and Collaborations.’ Information on these sessions can be found at www.mhealthsummit.org.

For additional information on Bluetooth wireless technology in the medical space, visit www.bluetooth.com.

If you are interested in joining the Medical Device Working Group, please visit www.bluetooth.org.

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart technology, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, creates new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly three billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 24,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information, please visit www.bluetooth.com.