The FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial evaluated whether real-time CGM can help people with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin improve their glucose management. It took place across 24 clinical sites in the UK, evaluating 303 participants. FreeDM2 compared the effectiveness of CGM with traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).
The study showed that people using FreeStyle Libre CGM technology had better glucose outcomes than those using traditional fingersticks. Users achieved improvements through participant-led self-management, guided by real-time CGM insights.
Abbott shared its findings at the 19th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) in Barcelona.
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“Even when people with Type 2 diabetes are already receiving advanced therapies, such as SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP‑1 receptor agonists, adding real‑time glucose visibility delivered meaningful improvements,” said Lala Leelarathna, associate professor of metabolic medicine at Imperial College London and co-lead investigator of the FreeDM2 study. “People were able to proactively use the insights CGM provided to adjust their diet, basal insulin and activity to deliver better outcomes.”
The company also shared findings from a separate study in Italy, also looking at the type 2 basal population. It said that current CGM reimbursement in Europe and other regions focuses on people using multiple daily injections (MDI). That leaves many on basal insulin without coverage.
According to Abbott, the evidence from its two studies demonstrate that people with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin therapy can achieve clinically meaningful improvements through CGM technology, strengthening the case for broader reimbursement for the population.
Abbott also shared findings from a study evaluating the global burden of DKA at ATTD. Read more about it here.
More on the study findings from Abbott
The UK study
Abbott said that its UK study evaluated participants using a FreeStyle Libre system at four months.
It found that Libre users had a significantly greater reduction in HbA1C (0.6%) than the group using traditional fingersticks. They also spent about 2.5 more hours per day (10.4% increase) in a healthy glucose range (between 70-180 mg/dL).
Participants were on basal insulin with either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Abbott said the study indicated meaningful benefit, even among people already on advanced glucose-lowering therapies.
“This study demonstrates the power of real-time glucose information for people with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin,” said Emma Wilmot, associate professor of diabetes and endocrinology at the University of Nottingham School of Medicine and co-lead investigator of the FreeDM2 study.
The Italian study
Abbott said a separate interventional study, also presented at ATTD, confirmed the findings of FreeDM2.
The Italian study followed 88 adults with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin in everyday clinical practice with a FreeStyle Libre system.
After three months, participants had better average glucose levels, more time in a healthy glucose range and improved quality of life.
“Across both studies, real‑time glucose visibility gives people the understanding they need to make small, informed adjustments throughout the day,” said Mahmood Kazemi, chief medical officer for Abbott’s diabetes care business. “In the FreeDM2 study, people made these adjustments on their own. Seeing similar patterns in the Italian study reinforces that the value comes from continuous access to glucose information itself, rather than from any single device feature.”
