April 28, 2022 – Abbott announced results from a new meta-analysis of 75 real-world, observational studies demonstrating that its FreeStyle® Libre system provides significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) that are sustained up to 24 months in adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes who use insulin are often restricted when it comes to access to continuous glucose monitoring, but both clinical trials and real-world studies demonstrate significant improvement of glycemic control. The results were presented today at the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) Congress, April 27-30, 2022, in Barcelona.
After three months of using the FreeStyle Libre system, HbA1c levels were reduced by 0.53% in adults with type 1 diabetes (from 8.20% to 7.67%) and 0.45% in adults with type 2 diabetes (from 8.17% to 7.72%). These are clinically significant reductions of average glucose levels towards the internationally recommended HbA1c goal of 7% for adults with diabetes. Reductions were sustained for up to 24 months in those with type 1 diabetes and up to 12 months in those with type 2 diabetes, reflecting the duration of the studies available for analysis. Reductions in HbA1c over time followed a similar pattern for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, demonstrating that, in a real-world setting, people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin benefit from FreeStyle Libre system in a similar way as people with type 1 diabetes.
Currently, in most European countries, the FreeStyle Libre system is reimbursed for all people with type 1 diabetes, but people with type 2 diabetes can only get the product reimbursed if they meet certain criteria, such as using insulin several times a day or having poorly controlled HbA1c levels.
HbA1c provides an estimate of average glucose levels over a period of time and is the standard measurement of glycemic control for people with diabetes. Increased HbA1c is associated with a greater risk of developing complications related to diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease. The new meta-analysis found that people with a higher HbA1c at baseline experienced greater reductions in HbA1c after being initiated on the FreeStyle Libre system.
The FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system includes a sensor, which is applied to the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days and continuously measures glucose, paired with a reader or compatible smartphone app that displays glucose readings. It is the number one sensor-based glucose monitoring system used in Europe and worldwide. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre portfolio has already changed the lives of approximately 4 million people across 60 countries by providing breakthrough technology that is accessible and affordable.