No More Routine Finger Sticks(1) for Americans with Diabetes

Abbott′s FreeStyle® Libre Approved in the U.S. - Seite 2

HOW THE FREESTYLE LIBRE SYSTEM WORKS

With the FreeStyle Libre system, people with diabetes can:  

• Self-apply the sensor, which is approximately the size of two stacked quarters, to the back of the upper arm.
• Capture real-time glucose readings with one-second painless scans of a small hand-held reader over the sensor.
• Identify glucose level trends (high, low, stable) with a directional arrow and review 8 hours of glucose history.
• Receive glucose readings through clothing,⁸ making testing more convenient and discreet⁹. The FreeStyle Libre sensor is also water-resistant¹⁰, and can be worn in the shower and during swimming.
• Avoid interference with acetaminophen, an active ingredient in more than 500 common over-the-counter medications, which can falsely raise reported glucose levels in certain CGMs to appear as if they are at dangerously high levels¹¹.

With traditional BGM, some people with diabetes may have to finger stick up to 12 times per day¹², to test their glucose levels, which only provides readings that represent distinct points in time. Studies have shown that a majority of people test less than three times per day because of the pain and hassles associated with finger sticks¹³. Without comprehensive glucose data, significant glucose fluctuations may be missed, which can lead to major health consequences¹⁴. 

Even with current CGM devices, people still have to finger stick at least twice per day, based on their system, to calibrate their devices to ensure accuracy. However, the FreeStyle Libre system is factory calibrated so daily calibration is not required—another first in the personal glucose monitoring industry. 

VISUALIZING DATA TO BETTER IDENTIFY TRENDS AND PATTERNS

The data from the FreeStyle Libre system provides a visual snapshot of a person's glucose fluctuations during a typical day, called an Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP). The AGP can reveal hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) trends intended to help facilitate better diabetes management¹⁵. By measuring, capturing and storing glucose level data continuously, patients and their doctors can see patterns over time and make adjustments to lifestyle, diet or treatment.