“Recent data show that people with diabetes have an elevated risk of adverse outcomes with COVID-19, which is also linked to their glucose control. We are really pleased that Abbott has agreed to our request to help us support patients with diabetes who are admitted to hospital by donating FreeStyle Libre sensors” said Dr Pratik Choudhary, senior lecturer and consultant in diabetes, Kings College Hospital, London and co-chair of the DTN (Diabetes Technology Network). “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been constantly looking for ways to limit unnecessary exposure between ourselves and patients, especially people with diabetes. The use of the FreeStyle Libre system will facilitate frequent monitoring of glucose for those who need it to control their blood glucose. It also allows us to view patient data remotely, supporting timely discharge with safe and effective remote follow-up.”
With Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system, glucose readings are measured every minute and available with a one-second scan over the FreeStyle Libre sensor using a compatible smartphone3 or reader. The user can get current glucose measurements, historical trends and patterns, and arrows showing where glucose levels are going without having to prick their finger4. At the same time, healthcare professionals will receive glucose data and actionable information remotely, to help make important treatment decisions through LibreView5, a secure, cloud-based diabetes management system available at no cost to healthcare providers and users. Recent studies have shown that users of the FreeStyle Libre system have improved glucose control6, decreased time in hyperglycaemia7 and hypoglycaemia8 as well as fewer hospitalisations9 and lower HbA1C10 levels.
“Providing frontline healthcare professionals and patients with technology and equipment is critical in the fight against COVID-19,” said Neil Harris, general manager of Abbott’s diabetes care business in the UK and Ireland. “We’re delighted to make FreeStyle Libre sensors available for hospitalised people living with diabetes, which will help frontline healthcare workers to monitor and manage the glucose levels of these patients better and, at the same time, help limit COVID-19 exposure, helping to keep people safe.”
About the FreeStyle Libre System
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system, the world leading sensor-based glucose monitoring technology,1 is designed to change how people with diabetes measure their glucose levels and ultimately help them achieve better health outcomes. The system reads glucose levels through a sensor that is be worn on the back of the upper arm, eliminating the need to prick their finger4. The FreeStyle Libre system is now being used by more than 2 million people with diabetes worldwide across 50 countries11. Abbott has secured partial or full reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system in 36 countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.