Abbott-monitor
Eliud Kipchoge is training with Abbott’s Libre Sense to monitor his glucose levels to help him achieve optimal athletic performance.

Abbott (NYSE:ABT) Chairman & CEO Robert B. Ford highlighted what the future holds as he presented the first healthcare keynote ever at CES.

Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022 event, Ford headlined the “Human-Powered Health: Unlocking the Possibility of You” event, announcing that Abbott is developing a new category of biowearables called “Lingo.”

“Technology gives us the power to digitize, decentralize and democratize healthcare, create a shared language between you and your doctor – and put more control of your health in your hands,” Ford said. “We’re creating a future that will bring you and your loved ones care that’s more personal and precise. It’s happening right now. And its potential is no less than incredible.”

Abbott Park, Illinois-based Abbott is designing Lingo biowearables to translate the body’s language into actionable data, helping to track and measure general health and wellness. Sensor technology comprising Lingo will track key signals in the body like glucose, ketones and lactate, and could even one day be used to track alcohol levels, Abbott said.

The Lingo platform will extend the sensing platform Abbott created for aiding people with diabetes — the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor with a small sensor worn on the back of the arm. As part of the CES event, actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd shared her experience with Freestyle Libre 2 to emphasize the impact of the sensor technology.

Abbott has since enhanced the platform with design for athletes, having launched the Libre Sense Glucose Sport Biowearable in Europe, with famed marathoner Eliud Kipchoge using the biowearable to optimize their fueling ahead of training. Abbott said Lingo aims to expand glucose monitoring to the management of weight, sleep, energy and thoughts.

The company is developing a ketone biowearable to aid in dieting and weight loss, along with a lactate biowearable to track continuous lactate build-up during exercise, which can indicate athletic performance.

“This will be like having a window into your body,” Ford said. “It’s science that you will be able to access any time so you can understand what your body is telling you and what it needs. Our vision is that Lingo will go far beyond today’s wearables for consumers to help you proactively manage your health, nutrition and athletic performance.”