Powering the Future of Diabetes Care: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Coin Cell Batteries in Next-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)

 

 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has transformed diabetes management, delivering real-time glucose insights, predictive alerts, and reduced reliance on fingerstick testing. Millions of patients worldwide rely on these wearable devices for better glycemic control and quality of life. Yet, as CGM technology evolves toward longer wear times and greater sustainability, a critical component is undergoing a quiet revolution: the power source.

 

Traditional CGM sensors typically rely on primary (non-rechargeable) coin cell batteries—most commonly CR-series lithium manganese dioxide (Li/MnO₂) or SR-series silver oxide (Ag₂O) cells. These compact powerhouses deliver reliable 3V output for 10–15 days of operation in devices from leaders like Dexcom and Abbott FreeStyle Libre. Once the sensor expires, the entire unit—including the battery—is discarded. With tens to hundreds of millions of sensors used annually, this generates substantial electronic waste, consumes scarce materials like lithium and silver, and drives ongoing costs for users.

 

The industry is shifting toward long-term, patient-friendly designs. The new frontier? Rechargeable lithium-ion coin cell (or button cell) batteries, often denoted as LIR-series. These maintain the familiar slim, round form factor of legacy CR cells while offering rechargeability, higher cycle life, and compelling advantages for modern CGM systems.

 

Why Rechargeable Li-Ion Coin Cells Are Ideal for CGM

 

Rechargeable lithium-ion coin cells operate at a nominal 3.6–3.7V with capacities ranging from ~6.5 mAh in ultra-miniature formats to 120–210 mAh in larger button styles (diameters 7.8–14 mm).

 

Key benefits include:

 

Sustainability and Reduced Waste — A single rechargeable cell can endure hundreds to over 1,000 charge cycles, slashing the volume of discarded batteries. This addresses the environmental burden of primary cells, which contribute to resource depletion (lithium mining is water-intensive) and disposal challenges (fire risks and heavy metal leaching).

User Convenience and Long-Term Wear — Patients can recharge the device instead of replacing the entire sensor/transmitter frequently. This supports extended-wear or reusable-transmitter architectures, minimizing interruptions and skin irritation from repeated insertions.

Compact Form Factor and Design Flexibility — The coin shape fits seamlessly into thin, discreet wearable patches or transmitters. Advanced variants from suppliers offer even higher volumetric energy density and robustness in micro-formats, outperforming traditional coin cells in pulse power, voltage stability, and resistance to environmental stresses.

Performance Reliability — Stable voltage output powers low-energy Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmission, sensor electronics, and algorithms without the sharp drop-off seen in some primary cells. Fast charging and low self-discharge ensure readiness for daily life.

Cost-Effectiveness Over Time — While upfront costs may be comparable, the long service life (years versus days) lowers total ownership costs for patients and healthcare systems.

 

Real-World Cases and Emerging Applications

 

The shift is already underway in leading CGM systems, where rechargeable power—often in compact lithium-ion formats—enables reusable transmitters paired with disposable sensors:

 

Eversense 365 (Senseonics): This implantable CGM features a sensor lasting up to one year under the skin. The external, removable smart transmitter is rechargeable (daily 15-minute charges) and secured with daily adhesive patches. This hybrid approach dramatically reduces waste compared to fully disposable 10–15 day sensors.

 

Medtronic Guardian Connect: The transmitter is designed for up to 12 months of use and requires only weekly recharging. This rechargeable design minimizes battery-related disposals while delivering predictive alerts and integration with insulin pumps.

Yuwell Anytime CT3 (POCTech): Billed as a “world-first rechargeable CGM transmitter,” it offers up to two years of service life with a rechargeable lithium battery. Users replace only the 14-day sensor while keeping the same transmitter, which supports Bluetooth data every 3 minutes. The system promises up to 50% lower costs and significantly reduced environmental impact.

 

 

The Road Ahead: A Sustainable, Patient-Centric Future

 

As CGM wear times extend and integration with insulin delivery systems (AID) deepens, rechargeable lithium-ion coin cells will play a pivotal role. Future designs may incorporate wireless charging, even thinner profiles, or hybrid sensor-transmitter modules where the battery is the only reusable element.

 

For manufacturers, the advantages are clear: differentiation through sustainability, compliance with growing environmental regulations, and enhanced user satisfaction. For patients, it means fewer replacements, lower costs, and devices that truly support lifelong diabetes management without adding burden.

 

The transition from throwaway primary coin cells to rechargeable lithium-ion button batteries marks more than a technical upgrade—it represents a commitment to responsible innovation in one of healthcare’s most impactful fields. As diabetes prevalence rises globally, powering CGM with rechargeable, compact, high-performance lithium-ion coin cells isn’t just smart engineering. It’s essential progress toward better health outcomes and a healthier planet.

 

Diabetes technology leaders and battery innovators are already demonstrating what’s possible. The question is no longer if rechargeable Li-ion coin cells will dominate CGM power solutions—but how quickly the industry will fully embrace them to deliver the next generation of truly sustainable, long-term continuous monitoring.

 

Ready to explore rechargeable lithium-ion coin cell solutions for your CGM platform? The future of reliable, eco-friendly wearable power is here.

 

Empowering Next-Generation CGM with Shenzhen CoinCell Battery Co., Ltd. Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Coin Cells

 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems are revolutionizing diabetes management by providing real-time, accurate glucose data with minimal user intervention. As the industry moves toward longer wear times, reusable transmitters, and more sustainable designs, the demand for reliable, rechargeable power sources has never been greater.

 

Shenzhen CoinCell Battery Co., Ltd., founded in 2018, stands at the forefront of this shift as a specialized manufacturer of high-performance micro lithium-ion batteries. With a strong focus on medical device applications—including CGM, insulin pumps, insulin pens, and autoinjectors—the company delivers advanced rechargeable lithium-ion coin cell batteries (LIR-series equivalents) that perfectly align with the evolving needs of modern CGM platforms.

 

Why Choose CoinCell's Rechargeable Li-Ion Coin Cells for CGM?

 

CoinCell's rechargeable coin batteries offer a superior alternative to traditional primary cells (CR lithium manganese or SR silver oxide), enabling reusable transmitters and extended device lifecycles while maintaining the compact, familiar button form factor.

 

Key Advantages Tailored for CGM:

 

Medical-Grade Reliability & Safety — Fully automated production with 100% X-Ray inspection, laser welding sealing options, and waterproof coatings available. All standard models comply with UL1642, IEC62133, and UN38.3 certifications—critical for medical wearables.

High Energy Density in Ultra-Compact Sizes — Nominal voltages of 3.7V–3.85V, with capacities from 11.5 mAh (e.g., M5850X1) up to 75 mAh+ (e.g., M1254S4). Diameters as small as 5.8 mm to larger formats suit slim CGM transmitters and patches.

Long Cycle Life & Sustainability — Hundreds to thousands of charge cycles reduce electronic waste dramatically compared to disposable primary batteries. Supports eco-friendly designs that align with growing regulatory and environmental demands.

Optimized Performance for Wearables — Stable voltage output powers low-power Bluetooth transmission, sensor electronics, and algorithms reliably. Low self-discharge and fast charging ensure consistent daily performance.

Customization Expertise — CoinCell provides tailored solutions, including BMS integration, 3D case design, and custom packs—ideal for next-gen CGM with reusable transmitters paired to disposable sensors.

Proven in Diabetes Devices — Deep involvement in diabetes-related electronics, with batteries powering CGM transmitters, insulin delivery systems, and more. The company actively showcases CGM-specific solutions at industry events.