Medtronic, Inc. announced the start of the global launch of the MiniMed(TM) 640G System, the next breakthrough toward an artificial pancreas. With the introduction of Medtronic's exclusive SmartGuard(TM) technology, MiniMed 640G is designed to help people with diabetes achieve better glucose control through advanced protection from hypoglycemia. The system is the first in the world to both automatically suspend insulin delivery when sensor glucose levels are predicted to approach a low limit and resume insulin delivery once sensor glucose levels recover.

The system includes the Enhanced Enlite(TM) sensor, which continuously monitors glucose levels with accuracy and comfort1,2. It also incorporates a new insulin pump design to provide convenient diabetes management with a simple user interface, full-color screen, waterproofing3 and remote bolus. SmartGuard (or predictive low glucose management) technology, in the world, is designed to optimise the MiniMed 640G System's ability to better protect people with diabetes against lows throughout the day and night with multiple low-limit settings that can be tailored to individual needs.Convenient new features include a simpler menu, full-color, light-adjusting screen, customizable alerts and alarms, and waterproofing in up to 12 feet of water for 24 hours at a time. In addition, the MiniMed 640G System exclusively uses the Bayer CONTOUR(R) NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter to provide highly accurate blood glucose testing7, automatically transmit blood glucose results into the Bolus Wizard(TM) calculator to help ensure that patients do not have a manual entry error, and to calibrate the Enhanced Enlite sensor.

It also allows patients to discreetly give a bolus of insulin remotely from the meter. The meter provides added convenience to help patients manage their diabetes effectively.