Abbott's FreeStyle Libre helps patients with diabetes stay out of the hospital
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help patients with diabetes reduce their risk of being hospitalized for cardiac complications, according to a new analysis out of Sweden. The study, published in Diabetologia, included data from nearly 15,000 patients.
Researchers tracked data from the Swedish National Diabetes Register and Swedish National Patient Register. Out of 14,829 adults with type 1 diabetes, approximately 0.8% had a prior severe hypoglycemia event (SHE) at the start of the study. After two years, there was a 78% reduction in heart disease-related hospitalizations for patients with a history of SHE using the FreeStyle Libre technology as opposed to those using traditional blood glucose monitoring (BGM).
The study’s authors noted that benefits were also seen in patients using a FreeStyle Libre CGM with no prior history of SHE. Looking at patients with no prior history of cardiovascular disease, for example, using the CGM technology was still linked to 49% reduction in hospitalizations due to cardiac complications when compared to BGM.
“CGMs empower people to proactively manage their diabetes and make informed health choices through real-time, constant feedback on their glucose levels,” co-author David Nathanson, MD, PhD, a researcher with Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, said in a statement. “This data shows that using CGMs is linked with significantly reduced hospitalizations related to heart issues, which can have a significant impact on patients, their families and the healthcare system by easing medical, emotional and financial burdens.”
“With its heart benefits, Libre makes it easier for people to take control of their health,” added Mahmood Kazemi, MD, chief medical officer for Abbott’s diabetes business.
This analysis was fully funded by Abbott, but the company “did not impose any restrictions regarding the publication of the report.” David Nathanson and other co-authors have a working relationship with Abbott.
Read the full study here.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.