Lowering Your A1c with the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day System
This content was sponsored by Abbott, the makers of FreeStyle Libre 2,—a Founding Partner of Beyond Type 2.
Your A1c is used to monitor your progress as you strive to reach your glycemic goals to manage type 2 diabetes. Every three-to-six months, your doctor uses your A1c to determine your average blood sugar over that period. Depending on the number, your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you. Are your blood sugar and A1c consistently elevated? Are you able to pinpoint the reason why, such as the effect of food on your post-meal blood sugar, the intensity or lack of exercise, stress, or too little sleep? If you’re having issues tracking what’s affecting your blood sugar, you may want to consider getting a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Traditionally, people with type 2 diabetes have used fingersticks to monitor their blood sugar or blood glucose levels. However, it’s painful and inconvenient so people often don’t test their blood glucose levels as often as they should. Continuous blood glucose monitors allow people with diabetes to see their blood glucose levels on an ongoing basis. For example, the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system allows users to wear a sensor for up to 14 days to get blood glucose readings without the need for traditional fingersticks.* The sensor is worn on the back of the upper arm and users can see their blood glucose readings, trends and patterns and an eight-hour history by scanning the sensor with a handheld reader or smartphone†. Compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose, people who’ve used the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system say it is easier to use than other blood glucose monitoring systems.
Research has shown that people using the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system monitor their blood glucose an average of 12 times per day ². People that scanned more frequently experienced less time at low or high blood glucose levels.³ Comprehensive blood glucose information can provide new awareness of how food, exercise, stress, lack of sleep and other factors can affect your blood glucose levels. Another study of people with type 2 treated with insulin and using FreeStyle Libre 14 day system for three-to-six months found they had an average 0.9 percent drop in A1c.4
If you’re a person living with type 2 and hate fingersticks with a lancing device multiple times a day, then you understand how that can make diabetes feel like a chore and even lead to infrequent testing. Knowing your blood glucose levels on a regular basis is key to successful diabetes self-management. With a CGM like the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, people can get the information they need when they need it to make better decisions about managing their diabetes.
* Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.
†The FreeStyle LibreLink app is compatible with NFC-enabled smartphones running Android OS 5.0 or higher and iPhone 7 or later running iOS 11 or later. Use of the FreeStyle LibreLink app requires registration with LibreView, a service provided by Abbott and Newyu, Inc
References:
1. Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care Veeva # ADC-15531 v1.0 09/19 2
2. Lang, et al. Expanded Real-world Use Confirms Strong Association between Frequency of Flash Glucose Monitoring and Glucose Control. Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes Meeting. Berlin. February 20-23, 2019. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Volume 21, Supplement 1, 2019
3. Lang, J, Jangam, S, Dunn, T, Hayter, G. Expanded Real-World Use Confirms Strong Association Between Frequency Of Flash Glucose Monitoring And Glucose Control. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2019 ; 21, S1, A-40. https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2019.2525.abstracts
4. Kroeger, J, Fasching, P, Hanaire, H. Meta-analysis of Three Real-World, Chart Review Studies to Determine the Effectiveness of FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System on HbA1c in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes 2019 Jun; 68, S1. https://doi.org/10.2337/db19-99-LB
Indications and Important Safety Information
The FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 18 and older. It is designed to replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions. The System detects trends and tracks patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments. Interpretation of the System readings should be based on the glucose trends and several sequential readings over time. The System is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.
WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.
For full indications for use and safety information, see more here.
FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
