Maidenhead, BERKSHIRE, 13 July 2023 – Abbott has today announced an update to its FreeStyle LibreLink app, which will allow people who use the FreeStyle Libre 2 system to get real-time minute-by-minute glucose readings automatically displayed on the app. With the updated version 2.10 app, available now in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, users in the UK and Ireland will be the first in the world to be able to see their glucose levels and trends with a quick glance at their smartphone.** Those who prefer a proactive approach will still be able to scan their FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor with their phone or reader.
Having glucose readings every minute will enable people to manage their diabetes even more confidently, allowing them to recognise a change in their glucose levels sooner and act faster to avoid potential issues like hypoglycaemia or extremely low glucose. Effective monitoring and management of diabetes is crucial as studies have shown that proper glucose control can help decrease diabetes-related complications and increase life expectancy for people living with diabetes.2,3,4
This latest update means there is no need to regularly scan sensors. Instead, glucose readings every minute will now automatically be displayed on the FreeStyle LibreLink app in real-time*, so users can effortlessly know where their glucose levels are and where they are headed with a quick glance of their smartphone.**
There are also positive ramifications for family members and those who are involved in the management of someone’s diabetes. The new feature also allows parents and caregivers of people using the FreeStyle Libre 2 system to automatically receive glucose readings every minute and customised alarms through the LibreLinkUp caregiver app, helping to provide further peace of mind.5*** LibreLinkUp users who wish to receive real-time glucose readings from their connections who are using FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors must update their LibreLinkUp app to version 4.7.
To begin receiving automatic readings, FreeStyle Libre 2 users will need to update their FreeStyle LibreLink app to version 2.10 through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The minute-by-minute glucose readings will be enabled when the next FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is initiated. All users of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system will receive information on how the update will work and make the system even easier to use, through emails, in-app messaging and through brochures.
Professor Partha S. Kar, national specialty advisor, diabetes at NHS England said: “The strength of technology lies not only in its ability to enhance self-management and peer support - but also its evolution designed at improving quality of life. It’s thus great to see continued progress now with real-time readings for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system - an update happening in the UK ahead of other countries globally - showing the progress the NHS has made over the last few years. This is an exciting development which will help users further navigate the daily challenges of living with diabetes.”
Last year, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended CGM technology be made available to all people living with Type 1 diabetes6 and is currently used by over 70% of all adults living with Type 1 diabetes.7 Updated NICE guidelines also mean that eligible people living with Type 2 diabetes who use insulin – including some children, as of May this year – can also now benefit from this technology.8
Jack Trigger^, competitive sailor who lives with Type 1 diabetes said: “Having a glucose reading in real-time and so easily accessible means that when I am busy sailing or training, I can just quickly grab my phone and immediately see the readings from my FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor without needing to scan. It provides me with the confidence and security I need, knowing where my glucose levels are and where they are heading, so I can focus on the task in hand.”
Lynn Whitworth, who lives with Type 2 diabetes said: “Having such a straightforward way to monitor my glucose levels provides me with all the information I need to make confident decisions around the management of my diabetes. I can automatically see the impact that various choices I make throughout the day have on my glucose levels, and all without scanning or finger-pricking.”†
The impact of the app update could be far reaching as, according to Diabetes UK, the number of adults living with diabetes in the UK is estimated to be around 4.3 million, of which 90% are adults living with Type 2 diabetes.9 Among those living with Type 2 diabetes, clinical experts predict that uptake of Continuous Glucose Monitors, or CGM, will rise to 70% by 2026/27. It is also estimated that 28% of children and young people living with diabetes are using sensor-based technology which is also expected to increase to 55% by 2026/27.10
Neil Harris, General Manager of Abbott’s Diabetes Care business in the UK and Ireland said: "Giving people in the UK the ability to automatically receive their glucose information every minute can help reduce the mental burden of diabetes management, so they can spend more time doing the things they love. At Abbott, we are committed to ensuring our FreeStyle Libre technology not only simplifies the daily routines for people living with diabetes, but also empowers them to manage their diabetes more effectively."
The FreeStyle Libre portfolio is the number one sensor-based glucose monitoring system in the world, having changed the lives of over 4.5 million people across more than 60 countries by providing breakthrough technology that is accessible and affordable11,12.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at abbott.co.uk, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
About Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre System
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre systems are designed to change the way glucose is monitored in people with diabetes and ultimately help them improve their diabetes management.13,14 The system measures glucose levels using a sensor worn on the back of the upper arm, eliminating the need for routine finger-pricking†.
Two FreeStyle Libre systems; FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 are now available in the UK, offering a range of glucose monitoring solutions depending on individual need.
Abbott Media:
Becky Hess +44(0)7748920076
Rebecca.Hess@abbott.com
References
1 Fokkert M. Improved well-being and decreased disease burden after 1-year use of flash glucose monitoring. BMJ Open Diab Res Care (2019): http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809
2 JDRF, 2022. Type 1 Diabetes Index. https://www.t1dindex.org/countries/the-united-kingdom/ Last accessed: June 2023.
3 DCCT Research Group. N Engl J Med 1993;329:977–986.
4 UKPDS. Lancet 1998;352:837–853.
5 Campbell, F. Pediatric Diabetes. (2018): https://doi.org/10.1111/pedi.12735
6 NICE (2022). Thousands of people with diabetes set to benefit from real time information after updated NICE recommendations
7 IQVIA prescribing data January 2023. Data held on file at Abbott
8 NICE (2023). Hundreds of children with type 2 diabetes to be offered choice of two life changing technologies | News | News | NICE
9 Diabetes UK. Number of people living with diabetes in the UK tops 5 million for the first time 2023. Accessed at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/number-people-living-diabetes-uk-tops-5-million-first-time#:~:text=Our%20new%20figures%20show%20that,2%20diabetes%20in%20the%20UK Last accessed: July 2023.
10 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Resource impact report for continuous glucose monitoring recommendations in: Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management (NG17) Type 2 diabetes in adults: management (NG28) Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in children and young people: diagnosis and management (NG18). 2022. Accessed at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng28/resources/resource-impact-report-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes-and-continuous-glucose-monitoring-pdf-11020390813 Last accessed: June 2023.
11 Data based on the number of users worldwide for FreeStyle Libre family of personal CGMs compared to the number of users for other leading personal CGM brands and based on CGM sales dollars compared to other leading personal CGM brands
12 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care.
13 Bolinder, Jan, et al. Novel glucose-sensing technology and hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes: a multi-center, non-masked, randomized, controlled trial. The Lancet 388.10057 (2016): 2254-2263.
14 Haak, T. Diabetes Ther (2017): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6.
† Finger pricks are required if glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations.
*Glucose readings are automatically displayed in the FreeStyle LibreLink app only when user's smartphone and sensor are connected and in range.
**The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink may require registration with LibreView.
***The LibreLinkUp app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check www.librelinkup.com for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of LibreLinkUp requires registration with LibreView. The LibreLinkUp mobile app is not intended to be a primary glucose monitor: home users must consult their primary device(s) and consult a healthcare professional before making any medical interpretation and therapy adjustments from the information provided by the app.
^ Jack Trigger is a FreeStyle Libre Ambassador
ADC-78485 (v1.0) 07/2023
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