Last Updated on December 11, 2024
For years, people with diabetes have had the same technology for keeping track of their diabetes. Type 1 diabetics could have a new way to manage their diabetes. A large diabetes research and technology company is having success with a new kind of monitor. This device is changing the way Europeans are watching their diabetes.
Abbott Laboratories has introduced a new continuous glucose monitoring system that has succeeded in Europe and could change type 1 diabetes in America. The FreeStyle Libre Flash is a new type of CGM with the goal to replace your old meter. The Libre Flash has begun to look at glucose testing from a different point of view.
So how does the FreeStyle Libre Flash work? It seeks to replace the typical finger pricks with scanning. The patient places the sensor on their upper arms, after placing the sensor you scan the sensor using the Libre reader, and then all glucose levels are automatically sent to the FreeStyle reader with only waving the receiver across the sensor.
The scanning sensor is small, only about the size of a quarter; making it small, comfortable, and non-invasive. People with diabetes that have already tested the meter say that the sensor application is easy and painless. Inside of the sensor is a tiny “filament” that measures blood sugar in the interstitial fluid.
Currently, the FreeStyle Libre is only available Europe, and hasn’t been approved for use in the United States, but it could be coming soon. With approval and rave reviews in Europe, Abbott is hoping to replicate this success in America. In 2014, the company received the CE Mark for the Libre monitor. While the company is based in Illinois, the long and complicated process of receiving FDA approval has hindered them from getting permission to sell in the Untied States.
The meter boasts several benefits over traditional monitors. Aside from avoiding lancelets and test strips, the FreesStyle Libre system also claims to be convenient, discreet, easy, and user-friendly. One major advantage is the seamlessness of the Libre when using it in everyday life. Its water-resistant casing allows the patient to shower, swim, and exercise without fear of messing up the device. The design allows people with diabetes to live their life, regardless of their lifestyle, without having to worry about harming their meter.
There haven’t been any announcements on what the price point will be once it reaches the U.S., but the Libre starter kit is currently being sold in Europe for £159.95, which translates to around $225. While there hasn’t been any specifics released on the price, the executives have said that the Libre monitor and sensors will be priced less than other continuous glucose monitoring systems, but more than “traditional blood glucose monitoring.” In addition to the monitor being cheaper, hopefully, the sensors will be cheaper than strips.
The technology was showcased in 2013 and since then has gained a lot of momentum and attention from the diabetic community. During a trail survey of the product, it had excellent reviews in accuracy and consistency for up to two weeks without having to prick your finger. In face, Abbott says that the monitor will be just as accurate as their other monitor Freestyle Navigator. After testing the monitor, the company claims the monitor was accurate within 9.7%.
While the Libre hasn’t made it to the United States yet (and who knows if it ever will), it is making a huge difference in diabetes managing technology. If the CGM never reaches the American market, it’s only a matter of time before we receive something very similar that eliminates the need for finger pricking and lancelets.
