Data communication on portable medical instruments has been rapidly advancing in recent
years. Patch-type blood glucose meters that continuously measure glucose levels without
drawing blood have transformed the lives of diabetics, while new insulin pens, insulin pumps
and smart inhalers have made it easier than ever for patients to keep track of their doses.
The data measured by these instruments is transmitted to mobile devices such as
smartphones and tablets using Bluetooth® Low Energy.
Smart medical devices have transformed the lives of patients, but often pose huge challenges for engineers due to their complex requirements. In many cases, designers have struggled to balance the need for a small, easily portable device with the often-incompatible demand for a long battery life.