Sam Brusco, Associate Editor04.14.23
Abbott Labs has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for a reader for its FreeStyle Libre integrated glucose (iCGM) system. After this clearance, Abbott is working to get FreeStyle Libre 3 added to Medicare’s list of covered systems as soon as they can.
"Our customers all over the world consistently tell us how our FreeStyle Libre technology has made an enormous, positive impact on their health and quality of life—they spend less time worrying and more time living," Jared Watkin, senior VP for Abbott's diabetes care business told the press. "The FreeStyle Libre 3 reader provides more choice to people living with diabetes to have access to lifesaving technology that is smaller and easier to use and comes without the high-cost burdens of other systems."
The new reader is a small, handheld device that shows real-time glucose readings from a small sensor worn on the back of the upper arm. This lets them manage their diabetes quickly and easily by viewing glucose reading on a large, bright screen. Those using FreeStyle Libre 3 still have the option to use the current FreeStyle Libre 3 smartphone apps.
The reader uses a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery. The FreeStyle Libre 3 reader’s user manual offers instructions about how to safely store, charge, and use the device. This includes always using the Abbott-provided USB cable and power adapter—issues with this were the subject of a recent recall.
"Our customers all over the world consistently tell us how our FreeStyle Libre technology has made an enormous, positive impact on their health and quality of life—they spend less time worrying and more time living," Jared Watkin, senior VP for Abbott's diabetes care business told the press. "The FreeStyle Libre 3 reader provides more choice to people living with diabetes to have access to lifesaving technology that is smaller and easier to use and comes without the high-cost burdens of other systems."
The new reader is a small, handheld device that shows real-time glucose readings from a small sensor worn on the back of the upper arm. This lets them manage their diabetes quickly and easily by viewing glucose reading on a large, bright screen. Those using FreeStyle Libre 3 still have the option to use the current FreeStyle Libre 3 smartphone apps.
The reader uses a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery. The FreeStyle Libre 3 reader’s user manual offers instructions about how to safely store, charge, and use the device. This includes always using the Abbott-provided USB cable and power adapter—issues with this were the subject of a recent recall.