The randomised clinical trial showed that the FreeStyle Libre 2 system resulted in significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)

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Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 system. (Credit: Abbott)

US-based medical technology company Abbott has announced positive data for its FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitor (CGM), based on a recently published study.

The study, recently published in a British medical journal, has evaluated the use of FreeStyle Libre 2 in adults with Type 1 diabetes and sub-optimal glycaemic control.

In the clinical trial, the CGM system resulted in a significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG),

The study participants sustained HbA1c reductions for the study duration of 24 weeks.

In addition, FreeStyle Libre 2 also improved participant-reported quality of life outcomes, including overall satisfaction and reduction in burden related to glucose monitoring.

Abbott diabetes care business chief medical officer Mahmood Kazemi said: “This randomized study clearly illustrates the importance of continuous glucose monitoring for adults with Type 1 diabetes.

“This clinically-significant change in HbA1c levels shows FreeStyle Libre technology empowers people to make lifestyle decisions that improve their glucose control and, ultimately, may result in a reduction in diabetes-related health problems down the line.”

The clinical trial is conducted as part of FLASH-UK, the first randomised study of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, compared to SMBG.

It enrolled 156 people, aged 16 years and above, with Type 1 diabetes, who are not previously familiar with continuous glucose sensing technology.

The study was led by a team at The University of Manchester together with investigators from eight centres in the UK and is funded by Diabetes UK.

HbA1c provides an estimate of average glucose levels over the previous three months and is the standard measurement of glycaemic control for people with diabetes.

Elevated levels of HbA1c are linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and eye problems.

The study author Lalantha Leelarathna said: “Continuous glucose monitoring has been a critical tool for people living with diabetes, both to avoid painful fingersticks and to help manage glucose levels.

“This data adds to the growing body of evidence that demonstrates the technology helps bring HbA1c levels closer to the target range, which ultimately decreases risks of further complications.”