What is Abbott FreeStyle Libre?
Abbott FreeStyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system designed to help people with diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels. The system consists of a small, wearable sensor that is attached to the back of the upper arm and measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid just beneath the skin.
The Abbott FreeStyle Libre system has been approved and cleared by regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has received the CE mark in Europe. The device has gone through various improvements, and the latest version is the FreeStyle Libre 3, which is the world's smallest sensor and is about the size of two stacked U.S. pennies.
When the FreeStyle Libre sensor is scanned with a reader or a smartphone, it provides real-time glucose levels, historical trends, and patterns in a graphical representation. This helps people with diabetes better understand their glucose levels, identify triggers that can cause fluctuations, and manage their diabetes more effectively.
Abbott has also developed additional software and services to help users monitor their glucose levels and track their progress. The FreeStyle LibreLink app allows users to scan their sensors with their smartphones and get glucose readings, while the LibreView platform allows healthcare professionals to view glucose data remotely to provide better feedback and care for their patients.
Overall, Abbott FreeStyle Libre is an innovative CGM system that provides people with diabetes with a simple, convenient, and user-friendly way to monitor their glucose levels and manage their diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions about abbott freestyle libre
Freestyle Libre® is a continuous blood glucose level monitoring device indicated for the management of diabetes. It consists of a disposable sensor, a patch delivery unit and a reader.
Kilkenny, Ireland
From left: Margaret Morrissey, Jared Watkin, Simon Harris, Aoife Willis, Saman Kamali and Mary Buckley. [Image courtesy of Abbott] Abbott (NYSE:ABT) today broke ground on a new FreeStyle Libre manufacturing facility in Kilkenny, Ireland.
The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people (age 4 and older) with diabetes mellitus, including pregnant women.
The sensor sends real time glucose readings to your smartphone. It updates the reading every minute and stores up to 8 hours of glucose readings in 15 minute intervals. Designed to be water-resistant, it can be worn for up to 14 days, even during activities like swimming, showering, and exercising.
Freestyle Libre is water-resistant which means it can withstand exposure to water. However, it is important to note that the manufacturer recommends the sensor to be worn no longer than 30 minutes in water that is deeper than 3 feet (1 meter).
The FreeStyle Libre 2 system has all of the FreeStyle Libre system's features, with the addition of optional, real-time glucose alarms. There are three optional, real-time glucose alarms that are available through the FreeStyle Libre 2 phone app. There is a Low Glucose Alarm, High Glucose Alarm and Signal Loss Alarm.
The FreeStyle Libre system measures glucose levels through a small sensor - the size of two stacked quarters - applied to the back of your upper arm. It provides real-time glucose readings for up to 10 days, both day and night.
Abbott U.S.
FreeStyle Libre 2 Continuous Glucose Monitor | Abbott U.S.
once every 8 hours
Freestyle Libre key points
For a complete glycaemic picture (to ensure all the data is transferred from you sensor), scan at least once every 8 hours.
Discover the FreeStyle Libre system
A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system consisting of a handheld reader, and a disposable sensor worn on your arm.
up to 14 days
This small, discreet and water-resistant2 sensor is worn on the back of your upper arm and lasts for up to 14 days whilst you shower, bathe, swim, exercise or play. The FreeStyle Libre system does not measure blood glucose but measures interstitial fluid glucose.
14 days
Minute-by-minute glucose readings - FreeStyle Libre 2 system is the only iCGM system that measures glucose every minute. That's five times more glucose readings than competitors. Longest lasting self-applied sensor - At 14 days, the next-gen FreeStyle Libre 2 system is the longest lasting iCGM sensor available.
If you're applying the sensor after showering or swimming. First wait until your skin is completely dry to apply to ensure the best. Possible.
Freestyle Libre Sensor
These sensors are waterproof up to three feet in water and for up to 30 minutes. You can wear these CGMs in the shower or swimming in the pool. However, the Freestyle Libre sensors have not been tested for salty seawater use nor for scuba diving.
While the FreeStyle Libre is perhaps easier - and more affordable - than other types of glucose monitors, it may not be right for every person with diabetes. The system carries the risk of inaccurate readings and doesn't automatically alert you if your glucose is at a dangerous level.
The FreeStyle Libre sensor continuously measures your glucose levels, day and night, without the need for finger pricking1. This small, discreet and water-resistant2 sensor is worn on the back of your upper arm and lasts for up to 14 days whilst you shower, bathe, swim, exercise or play.
