Simplifying Blood Sugar Monitoring: How the FreeStyle Libre Changes the Game

Jan 30

Regular glucose monitoring is important for diabetics, because it helps them manage their blood sugar levels effectively. High sugar levels induce the risk of complications such as vision loss, kidney failure, heart disease, and so on. On the other hand, extremely low sugar levels can lead to unconsciousness and even coma. Hence, the sugar levels must be within the standard range. Accurate glucose monitoring combined with adjustments in diet, medication, and exercise helps diabetics lead healthy lives. Abbott is playing a transformative role globally in this segment by offering FreeStyle family of glucose monitoring systems.

These blood continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems offer a painless, non-invasive, and user-friendly approach to glucose tracking. First, it eliminates the need for routine finger pricks, and assures a comfortable, convenient, and consistent way of glucose monitoring. Unlike the regular glucose monitoring systems, you need not worry about carrying them separately in bags; rather you can apply them on your arm, sit back, and relax. Abbott's FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring systems are built on groundbreaking technologies; they represent a holistic approach towards diabetes management. By making glucose monitoring painless, simpler, and easier, Abbott is improving the quality of life for diabetics, helping them to lead fuller, healthier lives. Having known these blood glucose control systems, you may have several questions regarding their use, purpose, and working? Isn’t it? Read this post to know answers.

Introduction to Abbott Laboratories and Diabetes Care

Founded in 1888 by Wallace Abbott as Abbott Alkaloidal Company in Ravenswood, Chicago, Abbott Laboratories sells diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional products, and branded generic medicines. It understands that continuous and accurate monitoring of glucose levels forms the foundation of an effective diabetes management plan. Hence, it has developed continuous glucose monitoring system that enables patients and their caretakers to monitor, analyze, and control their blood glucose levels effortlessly. FreeStyle Libre 2 system is a continuous glucose monitoring system designed by the company and it helps people with diabetes mellitus above the age of 4 to monitor their glucose levels effectively.

Introduction to FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor and its Working

FreeStyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitoring system that comprises a glucose sensor and a handheld reader. This glucose sensor is worn on your upper arm for glucose monitoring. Unlike the traditional glucose monitoring systems, FreeStyle Libre continuously monitors your glucose levels. This helps you track the levels over time.

The sensor measures the glucose levels in your interstitial fluid (ISF). This sensor is usually the size of two stacked quarters and remains hidden beneath the cloth. It reads the glucose levels through your clothes, which makes it convenient to use for people suffering from diabetes. The FreeStyle Libre system provides three key pieces of information to users –real-time glucose reading, historical trend in every 8 hours, and the trend arrow that indicates if the glucose levels are increasing or decreasing. The touchscreen reader offered with the system can hold the data for 90 days. This allows people to track their glucose levels periodically or pre and post meals.

An Overview of FreeStyle Libre 3 System

According to Abbott, FreeStyle Libre 3 system is the world’s smallest and thinnest sensor the CE mark, and is designed for people suffering from diabetes in Europe. It offers the same features as FreeStyle Libre 2 system, but stands out owing to its portfolio of features, such as continuous real-time glucose reading that is delivered to a user’s phone every minute. It stands out due to its sustainable design, where the volume of the system is reduced by more than 70%. The price of this system is kept low to make it accessible for many users who cannot afford high cost CGMs. Although some may argue about its prices, when compared to other systems, the FreeStyle Libre 3 system possesses many advanced features.

Benefits of Choosing Abbott FreeStyle Glucose Monitor Over Glucometer

Glucometer is one of the most popular devices for glucose monitoring. It involves finger prick for testing. The results of glucometer show point of time testing. Glucometer doesn’t show trends. Abbott FreeStyle Glucose Monitor offers several benefits over Glucometer. The following pointers will help you understand it better.

• It requires no finger pricks.

• You can monitor the trends and results on smartphone via an app that you can download after purchasing the app.

• You can easily share the results with concerned family member and your doctor.

• It is easy, convenient and discreet to use and leaves no marks on your body.

• You can see glucose trends and patterns.

• It can measure up to 14 days of glucose data without affecting your daily lives.

• It is one of the only factory-calibrated glucose monitoring systems used today. You do not need finger calibration to reactivate it.

Is that all? No, there’s more to it. There are some health benefits of choosing FreeStyle Glucose Monitor. The following pointers will help you understand it better.

• This monitor offers accurate results and helps reduce HbA1C levels. Here, HbA1C is a number that shows a person’s average blood sugar levels over a period of 90 days. The Mayo Clinic has described these ranges as:

o Up to 5.7%: This is a normal range for people without diabetes.

o 5.7% - 6.5%: This indicates a prediabetes condition.

o 6.5% - 8% or greater on two occasions: This indicates diabetes.

o 8%: Diabetes is not controlled and shows the risk of developing complications.

According to a study published on the Abbott website, diabetics using FreeStyle Libre system can cut down their HbA1C levels by 8%.

• This system allows you to monitor your glucose levels multiple times in a day or several times in a week. It helps you stay in the target range and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia (low glucose events).

• By taking care of keeping HbA1C levels and continuous glucose monitoring, the device helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

How to Use the FreeStyle Libre Monitor

Here’s how you can use the FreeStyle Libre monitor.

• Insert the sensor on the upper arm of using an applicator provided with the set. The sensor is applied underneath the skin’s top layer.

• Wave the monitor above the sensor to check your blood glucose levels any time.

• Set the reminders for checking the glucose levels. FreeStyle Libre system is not designed to send you alerts when the glucose levels shoot up. Hence, you should set the reminders regularly to see the monitor. It is always recommended to check the readings in at least 8 hours.

• Switch out the sensors after 14 days of wearing it.

How Does FreeStyle Libre Monitor Helps Manage Diabetes?

FreeStyle Libre system offers you data with actionable trends and patterns that would help diabetics make decisions on their treatment such as adjustments in insulin administration, diet control, and so on. Many studies show that FreeStyle Libre help users avoid the instances of blackout due to low glucose or complications due to high glucose levels. It helps improve average glucose levels.

Frequently Asked Questions on Abbott FreeStyle Glucose Monitors

FreeStyle glucose monitors are primarily used by insulin users; however, non-insulin users can also use them.
Yes, these devices are recommended for children suffering from diabetes. It has received the CE mark for the ages from four years and above. It has proven clinical results in children and teenagers. According to the official website of Abbott, it helps caregivers of children manage their glucose levels effectively. It has helped more than 94% of teenagers to make their insulin dosing decisions based on the readings.
Yes, it is safe and effective for pregnant women who may be suffering from T1D, T2D, gestational diabetes mellitus, and so on. It is also safe for women on insulin therapy or using metformin. According to the official website of Abbott, 98% of pregnant women find it less stressful and 94% of them find it easy to use. Most women users appreciate the fact that the device is less painful to use.
No, Abbott’s FreeStyle glucose monitors do not require you to stretch or pinch your skin during application. All you have to do is apply them to your upper arm. It is always recommended to apply them in area which remains flat during daily activities, such as folding, bending, and so on. It is always better to choose a site that is at least 1 inch away from the insulin injection site. If you already have discomfort or skin irritation then choose a different site for application.
No, you need to apply the sensor to a site that is clean shaven.
No, it is not recommended to apply the sensor on the skin area with abnormalities. You can choose a clean and plain area.
Yes, people with tattoos can apply these sensors because tattoo inks do not interfere with the reading.
The sensor is designed only to collect data for 14 days and it would stop immediately on the 14th day.
No, this blood glucose monitor with sensor will not harm even if you wear them continuously. The sensor portion that gets under your skin is less than 0.4mm wide. This sensor is inserted about 5mm under the skin and most people may not even realize it.
FreeStyle Libre devices are designed to be skin-friendly, and are not known to cause any allergic reactions in most users. However, some individuals may be allergic to the adhesive on the sensor. If you experience any such skin irritation or allergy reaction, you must remove the sensor immediately. You can consult with your healthcare provider before continuing with the product.
FreeStyle Libre sensors are not known to interrupt your daily activities and users can wear them while showering, bathing, swimming, and so on. However, users should avoid taking the sensor beyond 1 meter of water depth. Also, it shouldn’t be submerged for more than 30 minutes. The adhesive will keep the sensor in place for almost 14 days irrespective of the activity.
The sensor may not show accurate reading if you sweat often. If this happens, you must start using a new sensor.
Yes, you can, but you should apply this bandage along with the blood glucose monitor with sensor. While doing this, you should not cover the opening or hole of the sensor. You can also apply additional bandages, but they should not be removed or replaced often. If you are planning to keep the bandage for a few days, ensure to remove them only when you remove the sensor.
No, there is not limitation on the readings that the sensor can take. It is recommended to scan the monitor every 8 hours if you are eyeing a glycemic level picture.
No, FreeStyle Libre systems are not restricted by flight regulations because it meets the RTCA guidance for use of medical devices on planes. However, if airline plans to restrict it, you should power off your FreeStyle Libre reader and mobile phone.

Where can I buy Abbott diabetes care FreeStyle Libre?

FreeStyle Libre is one of the most popular continuous glucose monitoring devices available in the market. You must change the sensor every 14 days. While purchasing, you need not buy the entire system every time you plan to replace the sensor; rather you can buy only the replacement sensor. This FreeStyle Libre is sold by most online pharmacies and medical supply stores near you. If you plan to buy these monitors anytime soon, ensure to source them from a trusted Online store - Pharmalynk Marketplace.

We provide FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor, FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensor, FreeStyle Lite Test Strips, and so on. Contact us today to discuss your FreeStyle Libre product requirements. Our experts will help you choose the right product for your needs. Feel free to contact us today at 714-202-0474 or by visiting us at the Pharmalynk Marketplace.