ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 28, 2021 – Abbott today announced new data recently published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology demonstrating that people living with diabetes who use FreeStyle Libre's smartphone app (versus a reader) experienced an average 5% (1.2 hours)[i] more time spent in the target glucose range, known as Time in Range (TIR). The free-of-charge FreeStyle LibreLink app enables FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 2 system users to receive glucose readings from a small sensor worn on the back of the upper arm, directly to compatible smartphones.

TIR captures the percentage of time in a day a person with diabetes spends in their target glucose range. The recommended range for most people living with diabetes is 70 to 180 mg/dL. Every extra hour spent in range has a positive impact on glucose control[ii] and a 5% difference represents a clinically significant 1.2 additional hours per day. These results may be the outcome of data sharing features of the FreeStyle LibreLink app; healthcare professionals, caregivers, and people living with diabetes can easily view Time in Target reports and receive immediate glucose feedback to make more informed treatment decisions.

"Time in Range is a critical metric for diabetes management because it gives that immediate visibility into glucose levels. FreeStyle Libre CGM technology and digital health solutions simplify the experience of staying in target range by providing real-time, actionable data delivered straight to smartphones and removing the need for a separate reader," said Mahmood Kazemi, M.D., divisional vice president, global medical and scientific affairs, and chief medical officer, Diabetes Care, Abbott. "This technology helps people living with diabetes make lifestyle choices that are personalized to their own target data and provides an achievable goal that leads to better health outcomes."

In addition to more time spent in the target range, the real-world data show that FreeStyle LibreLink app users also experienced lower glucose variability, lower average glucose, and less time in hyperglycemia than reader users. These results also bolster the importance of sharing data with healthcare professionals through telehealth for remote glucose monitoring.

During the COVID-19 mandated lockdowns, two additional studies in Scotland[iii] and Spain[iv]  found that FreeStyle Libre users with type 1 diabetes increased TIR (3% and 4.7% respectively) over the lockdown period, with associated improvements in glycemic variability and estimated HbA1c. 

"At the onset of COVID-19, the healthcare community quickly adapted to a virtual world and thanks to our digital connections with CGM technology, we were able to remotely monitor and guide our patients," said Thomas Danne, director of the Department of General Paediatrics and Endocrinology/Diabetology at the Auf der Bult Hospital, Hanover, Germany. "This adoption of telehealth creates a new standard for healthcare. As we emerge from this pandemic, we can continue to actively manage diabetes remotely. Together with our patients, we can make informed decisions to improve Time in Range."

To continue to help improve the daily lives of people with diabetes, Abbott has joined forces with Novo Nordisk and The diaTribe Foundation to increase awareness around the importance of TIR and advance the standard of care. The global campaign, "It's Time for Time in Range," provides TIR education, clinical guidance, expert insights and resources to healthcare providers via TIRhub.com  

Providing breakthrough technology that is accessible and affordable[v], the FreeStyle Libre portfolio is the world-leading[vi] glucose sensor-based technology, changing the lives of nearly 3.5 million people across more than 50 countries. Abbott has secured partial or full reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system in 38 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.

About Abbott:  

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. Our 109,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews