New research published in The New England Journal of Medicine reveals that Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre® 2 glucose monitoring system significantly lowered glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals with Type 1 diabetes and suboptimal glycemic control in comparison to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Furthermore, these reductions were sustained over the course of the trial’s 24-week period.
The 6-month long trial was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Manchester along with investigators from eight other centers in the United Kingdom. It included 156 participants aged 16 and above with Type 1 diabetes and HbA1c values ranging from 7.5% to 11%. None of the participants had used continuous glucose monitoring equipment before. About 50% of the subjects were randomized to use the FreeStyle Libre 2 device to monitor their glucose over 24 weeks, while the other half used self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).
Individuals who employed the FreeStyle Libre 2 system observed a decrease in their HbA1c levels by an average of 0.8%. The reduced level of HbA1c levels significantly decreases the likelihood of future diabetes complications, such as kidney diseases, cardiovascular disorders and vision problems. On the other hand, participants who used SMBG lowered their HbA1c levels by an average of only 0.2%.
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system features a sensor that can be attached to the back of the upper arm for 14 days at a time and regularly monitors glucose, coupled with a compatible mobile application or reader that displays glucose levels. Systems like Libre are a great addition to manage diabetes conveniently.
