Abbott touts real-world data for FreeStyle Libre glucose monitor

Abbott (NYSE:ABT) presented real-world data this week showing that use of its FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system reduced prolonged hypoglycemia and helped users achieve better glucose control.

At the 12th Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes meeting in Berlin, the company showcased a real-world evidence data set that included roughly 500,000 FreeStyle Libre system users.

Pulling from the data set, Abbott reported that users performed an average of 12 scans per day and that people who scanned frequently lowered their time in hypoglycemia by 31% compared to those who did not scan frequently.

The company also found that estimated HbA1c levels decreased from 8.2% to 6.7% as the scan rate increased.

Another analysis showed that people who scanned a second time within one hour of a low glucose event lessened the likelihood of prolonged hypoglycemia by 56%.

“The FreeStyle Libre system is fundamentally changing the way people manage their diabetes. Whether it is prompting people to make proactive adjustments based on trend arrows or keeping a careful eye on their low glucose levels, the results of these studies show that people become more engaged with their health with the right information,” Dr. Mahmood Kazemi, divisional VP of global medical & scientific affairs for Abbott’s diabetes care unit, said in prepared remarks.

“There is no better testament to the efficacy of the FreeStyle Libre system than seeing data that shows how people are using it in their day-to-day lives,” Jared Watkin, SVP of Abbott’s diabetes care unit, added. “Real-world evidence combined with data from clinical trials provide important perspectives on a product’s value and best uses.”

In October last year, Abbott won CE Mark clearance in the European Union for its next-generation FreeStyle Libre system. The glucose monitor, which eliminates the need for finger sticks, features optional alarms that users can customize, according to the medtech company.

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