New Bluetooth Smart profile for blood glucose monitors8 January 2015 The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has adopted the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Profile (CGM), developed by the Medical Device Working Group, to standardise data collection, measurement and delivery for Bluetooth Smart glucose monitors. Bluetooth Smart is a low power version of the Bluetooth wireless technology that is designed for devices that run off a tiny battery for long periods. It can communicate with existing smartphones and tablet computers that have Bluetooth. It provides the means for wireless-enabling virtually anything to connect them and collect data from sensors, for example from shoes, balls, doors, lights, toothbrushes and in this case a medical device. It is one of the key technologies for the Internet of Things. 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. “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.” “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. “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.” For additional information on medical applications of Bluetooth wireless technology visit www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Medical.aspx |
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