Telcare, the US vendor that earlier this year launched what it claimed was a groundbreaking 3G-enabled glucometer, has secured US$25.5 million in funding led by new backer Sequoia Capital as well as Qualcomm’s Life Fund which has previously invested in the firm.

The vendor says it will use the sizeable additional backing to drive its marketing and sales as well as R&D initiatives and ongoing operations. Elsewhere in its announcement, Telcare says Sequoia’s investment will mean it can grab more market share with the aim of becoming “the global leader in wireless mhealth solutions for people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses”.

In addition to the glucometer, Telcare also provides a management system that collects diabetes patient data as well as an app that offers updates to friends and families. The vendor supplies the package of device, backend system and app to health insurers and employers.

Earlier this year Telcare launch a 3G-enabled glucometer that the company said was the first to use wireless technology that instantly transmits patient data to its backend system. The vendor uses T-Mobile USA’s 3G network to upload patient data.