Livongo raises funds for digital health platform

US health insurance giant Humana has invested in digital health company Livongo to close off the start-up's series C financing round.

Chronic condition management specialist Livongo will now look to expand its products and services, including the development of its diabetes monitoring device.

"We're proud to be a strategic investor in Livongo to support their continued efforts," said Busy Burr, vice president of Innovation and Head of Humana Health Ventures. "We look forward to together making living with chronic conditions easier for everyone, beginning with our members with diabetes."

The two companies have already been working closely together, with Humana making Livongo's diabetes tech available to its customers with largely successful results. The start-up has since seen its technology adopted across a number of other healthcare providers.

"Diabetes is one of the fastest growing and most expensive chronic conditions in the world, and our two organizations want to make it easier for people to stay healthy. We empower individuals to take charge of their own health," said Glen Tullman, Chief Executive Officer at Livongo Health.

Livongo's combination of a real-time blood glucose monitor and access to professionals on demand means Livongo's diabetes solution is one of the leading new methods for managing diabetes in what is a rapidly developing field. Recently, Intarcia's subcutaneous drug delivery implant passed its final phase 3 safety trial, opening the door for what could be a legitimately revolutionary platform for treating diabetes.

Humana's investment means Livongo's completed series C financing round stands at $49.5 million, up from the previous total of $44.5 million reported in April.