Abbott Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

FreeStyle Libre system is a line of FDA-cleared flash glucose monitoring systems manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care (ADC). These types of CGM devices are used as an alternative way to measure blood glucose levels that use a painless(1) scan that provides real-time glucose readings for insulin dosing.(2)

The FreeStyle Libre system line includes the FreeStyle Libre 2 system and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, both popular, affordable flash glucose monitoring systems that utilize the FreeStyle Libre system sensor. The sensor is about the size of two stacked quarters and operates via a thin filament inserted just beneath the surface of the skin on the back of the upper arm. Here it measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid.

The FreeStyle Libre system sensor is water-resistant so you can wear it while exercising, showering, and even swimming* for up to 30 minutes in 3 feet of water. Patients can wear the sensor for up to 14 days. Both systems come with a reader which you can use to scan your sensor (even through clothing) to get your current glucose reading and see a glucose trend arrow. They both also come with a built-in glucose finger testing meter.

Currently, Aeroflow offers both FreeStyle Libre 2 system and FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. Read on to find out more about each product and what makes it unique.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is similar to the Freestyle Libre 14 day system in that both are approved for wear for 14 days. Unlike the 14 day system, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is available for children as young as 4. Another major difference between the two products is the Freestyle Libre 2 system's optional, real-time glucose alarms* notify you when you are low or high✝. It's important to note that even if you have an alert system on your CGM device, it's a good idea to manually scan your sensor if you feel any symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is approved for use with the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 smartphone app.

The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system is fairly similar to the FreeStyle Libre 2 system’s continuous glucose monitor, with a few differences. It is not authorized for use in children under 18. Additionally, there is no ability to set glucose alarms for when blood sugar drops out of the target range. The FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor automatically measures glucose readings day and night* and is accurate for insulin dosing.(3)

Patients can still scan the sensor as many times as they need or want and see their glucose levels in real-time. This may be sufficient for adults who have a consistent, predictable diabetes management regimen already in place. But for children, elderly patients, or those who don't experience typical symptoms of low or high blood sugar, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system may be a better bet. 

The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system even offers the ability to see glucose readings via the smartphone LibreLink app. The FreeStyle LibreLink app is free to download and patients can use it to review reports with sharing them with a healthcare professional. Glucose data is stored for up to 90 days.

If you use insulin and require frequent adjustments to your insulin regimen, Medicare may cover the cost of the system.  Aeroflow Healthcare will help coordinate between your doctor's office and your Medicare insurance provider to gain approval for insurance coverage. We'll even ship you your supplies at no cost.

Your healthcare provider will answer any questions you may have about applying your sensor and interpreting results. For a full guide to sensor adhesion, including preparing the skin, applying the sensor, and taking care to keep it in the proper place, see the FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor adhesion guide and more resources on the www.freestylelibre.us website.

The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 app is approved for use with the FreeStyle Libre 2 system in the U.S. 

Your doctor will determine which CGM device would work best for your individual diabetes management plan and write a prescription, taking into consideration your symptoms, age, lifestyle, the benefit of particular features, and other factors.

Aeroflow Diabetes can help you receive the blood glucose monitoring system you need if you qualify through insurance. 

Want to see if you’re eligible? Follow this simple process.

Step 1. Fill out our eligibility form with your insurance information.

Step 2. A Diabetes Specialist will verify your insurance coverage and send all of the paperwork necessary.

Step 3. Once you qualify, you’ll be able to choose the supplies your insurance covers from a curated shopping list.

Step 4. Your supplies will be shipped directly to your home, and each month following, we’ll send you reminders when it’s time to reorder.

1. Haak, T. Diabetes Therapy (2017): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6. 

2. FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual.

*Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 meter (3 feet) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes.

* Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet of the reading device.

* Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days and scanned at least once every 8 hours. 

3. FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual.