What is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?

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Unlike traditional blood glucose monitoring (BGM) or fingersticks, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices—such as those in the FreeStyle Libre portfolio—are small, sensor-based systems that provide minute-to-minute glucose readings day and night. They provide a complete glycemic picture*†1 without the pain and hassle of fingersticks.

How does a continuous glucose monitor work?

Sensor readings are taken from the interstitial fluid (ISF), a thin layer of fluid that surrounds the cells of the tissues below the skin, and then paired with a smartphone§ or reader||¶.

Why are CGMs useful?

CGM systems can:

Collect glucose data day and night without fingersticking, allowing for greater insights into patterns and trends2

 

Track glucose data in a way that provides immediate feedback to reflect current medication and lifestyle changes with easy visibility to hidden problems*†1

Impact Hba1c*†3-9 and hypoglycemia*†10,11, alerting#** members—and even caregivers††—when glucose levels are too high or too low

Engage members in managing their diabetes by showing how different foods and activities may affect their glucose levels

Learn about the #1 CGM in the US‡‡ and worldwide§§12

The FreeStyle Libre portfolio brings together an ecosystem of digital tools and features that members, providers, and caregivers can rely on.

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Medicare coverage is available for the FreeStyle Libre systems if their respective readers are used to review glucose data on some days every month. Medicare and other third party payor criteria apply.

Abbott provides this information as a courtesy; it is subject to change and interpretation. The customer is ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate codes, coverage, and payment policies for individual patients. Abbott does not guarantee third party coverage or payment for our products or reimburse customers for claims that are denied by third party payors.

The LibreView data management software is intended for use by both patients and healthcare professionals to assist people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals in the review, analysis and evaluation of historical glucose meter data to support effective diabetes management. The LibreView software is not intended to provide treatment decisions or to be used as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

The FreeStyle Libre 3 system and FreeStyle Libre 2 system are indicated for patients ages 4 and older.

* Data from this study was collected with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. FreeStyle Libre 3 has the same features as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with real-time glucose alarms. Therefore the study data is applicable to both products.

† Data from this study was collected with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. FreeStyle Libre 2 has the same features as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with optional real-time glucose alarms. Therefore the study data is applicable to both products.

‡ Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first 12 hours.

§ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and FreeStyle Libre 3 app are only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app or the FreeStyle Libre 3 app may require registration with LibreView.

|| The FreeStyle Libre 3 app and the FreeStyle Libre 3 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see the Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations.

¶ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

# Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 33 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts, see the FreeStyle Libre 3 User’s Manual for more information.

** Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts, see the FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manual for more information.

†† The LibreLinkUp app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check http://www.librelinkup.com for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the LibreLinkUp app requires registration with LibreView. LibreLinkUp is not intended to be used for dosing decisions. The user should follow instructions on the continuous glucose monitoring system. LibreLinkUp is not intended to replace self-monitoring practices as advised by a physician.

‡‡ Data based on the number of patients assigned to each manufacturer based on last filled prescription in US Retail and DME.

§§ Data based on the number of users worldwide for FreeStyle Libre family of personal CGMs compared to the number of users for other leading personal CGM brands and based on CGM sales dollars compared to other CGM brands.

References:
1. 
Unger J, et al. Postgrad Med. (2020): https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2020.1744393 2. FreeStyle Libre 3 User’s Manual. 3. Carlson AL, et al. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care (2022): https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2021-002590 4. Evans M, et al. Diabetes Ther (2022): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-022-01253-9 5. Wright, E. Diabetes Spectr (2021): https://doi.org/10.2337/ds20-0069 6. Kroger, J. Diabetes Ther (2020): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-019-00741-9 7. Tyndall, V. Diabetologia (2019): https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-019-4894-1 8. Yaron, M. Diabetes Care (2019): https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-0166 9. Campbell, F. Pediatr Diabetes (2018): https://doi.org/10.1111/pedi.12735 10. Bolinder, J. The Lancet (2016): https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(16)31535-5 11. Haak, T. Diabetes Ther (2017): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6 12. Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care.

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Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre 14 day, FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems: Failure to use FreeStyle Libre systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose reading and alarms (if enabled) do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

The sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


No use of any Abbott trademark, trade name, or trade dress in this site may be made without prior written authorization of Abbott Laboratories, except to identify the product or services of the company.

This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by residents of the United States.

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