“Approximately 537 million adults aged 20-79 are living with diabetes and that number is projected to rise to 643 million by the year 2030 and 783 million by 2045.”1
There is no doubt that technology has revolutionized the world of Continuous Glucose Monitors and improved the lives of those living with diabetes around the world.
But at this accelerated growth rate, there are still years of improvements ahead.
Strides are continuing to be made and on May 31st of this year, a big announcement from Abbott, the maker of the FreeStyle Libre brand was made making things even better for diabetes management.
Abbott announced that the next generation of Continuous Glucose Monitor, the FreeStyle Libre 3, has been cleared by the FDA for people ages four and over living with diabetes in the United States.
This has major implications for the future of diabetes management, but first let’s take a quick look at how we got here and all of the improvements that have been made to blood glucose monitoring devices over the years.
History of Blood Glucose Tracking
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems have seen many changes since the FDA approved the very first one over 20 years ago.
But prior to the creation of the CGM, the primary method to check blood glucose levels was the use of a Blood Glucose Monitor. BGMs first arrived on the scene in the 70’s and served as the main and most reliable method to check and monitor levels.
Like everything else, technology just makes things better and Continuous Glucose Monitors have surpassed the ability of Blood Glucose Monitors. However, both continue to be used by patients and healthcare providers. It’s important to understand their differences to see how far these devices have advanced over the years to become truly life changing.
A Blood Glucose Monitor or Meter tests the concentration of glucose in the blood through a fingerstick to draw blood. Then uses a test strip that interacts with a digital meter to identify blood glucose levels. It is important to note that Blood Glucose Monitors measure glucose levels at a particular moment in time and focus on a single number.
A Continuous Glucose Monitor takes glucose readings continuously with a small electrode placed under the skin that is held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit or smart device and allows a patient to record and access valuable information and trends on a continual 24/7 basis. CGMs do not require fingersticks to measure glucose levels which makes monitoring easier and less painful.
The New FreeStyle Libre 3
The FreeStyle Libre 3 has all of the benefits of the FreeStyle 2 but have a few additional features that are worthy of note:2
- ● Real-time, minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the FreeStyle Libre 3 app via Bluetooth with no need to manually scan for a glucose reading.
- ● The FreeStyle Libre 3 has the ‘smallest and thinnest’ sensor yet using less material to make it more environmentally friendly. The sensor is the size of two stacked pennies.
- ● The FreeStyle Libre 3 has improved accuracy and allows for quicker readings.
- ● The new FreeStyle Libre 3 app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and can be used primarily with a smartphone for even easier access to the sensor.
- ● The FreeStyle Libre 3 will be available at the same price, and under the same insurance coverage, as previous versions of the CGM.
- ● Abbott will continue to offer the FreeStyle Libre 2 at the same price for people who prefer to scan their CGM.
Finding Continuous Glucose Monitor Support
With the numbers of diabetes diagnosis growing each year, there continues to be a need for technological innovations as well as diabetes education. The Freestyle Libre is becoming more readily available through various channels, but the qualifying process can be daunting and will continue to be so as we navigate and understand coverage of the FreeStyle Libre 3 version.
At Quest Health Solutions, we can guide you through the entire process. We are not only one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitors in the market today, but we also offer CGM Fulfillment Solutions. Our experienced team will manage all of the paperwork, insurance verification, billing and authorization calls so that healthcare providers do what they do best – treat patients! To learn more about the Freestyle Libre and our CGM Fulfillment Solutions, contact Quest Health Solutions at 1-800-993-9996, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2021) International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes Facts & Figures. Available at click here accessed on 12 June 2022.
2. (2022) PR Newswire. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Receives U.S. FDA Clearance. Available at click here accessed on 13 June 2022.