Guided Support Program Available for FreeStyle Libre 2 Integrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

After being granted FDA approval in June 2020, Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 14-day integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) systems are offering a guided support program to help patients learn about their system and how their daily activities impact glucose levels.¹

The systems feature 2 components: the sensor and accompanying reader. The innovative sensor technology begins taking glucose readings just 1 hour after application and the small, water resistant monitor can be worn for up to 14 days. Meanwhile, the reader enables a painless, 1-second scan that works even through clothing and stores up to 90 days of glucose data.²

The systems are available with a prescription at pharmacies and are indicated for the management of diabetes. They can replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions by tracking trends and patterns that can help detect episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, enabling both acute and long-term therapy adjustments, according to the system website.²

The FreeStyle Libre 2 iCGM system has been approved for adults and children ages 4 and older with diabetes (the FreeStyle Libre 14-day system is approved for ages 18 and older). The approval was based on clinical trials linking the system with a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels for individuals living with type 2 diabetes on either long-acting insulin or non-insulin therapy. The study results are similar to outcomes typically seen when adding insulin therapy to treatment regimens, suggesting that users may be able to manage their glucose levels with CGM technology instead of adding insulin.³

In the Abstract 84-LB study, investigators assessed changes in HbA1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes who were either on long-acting insulin or non-insulin therapy. The HbA1c levels were analyzed from baseline to 6 months and from baseline to 12 months after beginning use of the FreeStyle Libre system.³

According to the results, participants had overall lower HbA1c levels associated with the system and saw a 0.8% decrease after 6 months and a 0.6% decrease after 1 year of using the system. The data show clinically significant reductions of average glucose levels over time toward the recommended A1c goal of 7% for adults with diabetes.³

Furthermore, the greatest decreases occurred among the non-insulin users with type 2 diabetes, including a 0.9% reduction at 6 months and a 0.7% reduction after 12 months. Among individuals on long-acting insulin, HbA1c reductions were 0.6% at 6 months and 0.5% at 12 months.³

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, more Medicare patients are currently eligible for coverage of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system of the 14-day system. According to the system’s website, most privately insured patients pay between $10 and $75 per month for the FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 14-day sensors. Although there is not currently a saving program offer, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is more affordable than other non-Abbott iCGM systems, according to the system’s website. The system may also be covered by government agencies for patients meeting certain eligibility criteria.⁴

Patients who join the MyFreeStyle program can also learn more about the system and ways to positively impact their HbA1c levels through a healthy diet and physical activities. Patients can enroll in the program to receive guided support with 14 days of emailed tailored to their needs.¹

REFERENCES

• MyFreeStyle Program; FreeStyle Libre. https://www.freestylelibre.us/myfreestyle.html. Accessed February 5, 202
• FreeStyle Libre 14-Day Discussion Guide. https://www.freestyle.abbott/content/dam/adc/fds/us-en/documents/freestyle-libre-14-day-discussion-guide.pdf. Accessed February 5, 2021.
• Coppock, K. FDA Approves FreeStyle Libre 2 iCGM System for Patients With Diabetes. Pharmacy Times; June 15, 2020. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/fda-approves-freestyle-libre-2-icgm-system-for-patients-with-diabetes. Accessed February 5, 2021.
• Frequently Asked Questions; FreeStyle Libre. https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/support/faq.html. Accessed February 5, 2021.