Technology transforming the lives of British Columbians with diabetes

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For people living with diabetes, measuring their glucose is vital for staying healthy and avoiding serious or even life-threatening health complications.

For years, people with diabetes had to measure blood glucose with finger prick testing several times a day. Now, technological advances have the opportunity to transform the lives of the 1.5 million British Columbians affected by diabetes.^€

The FreeStyle Libre system is a flash glucose monitoring system that offers real-time glucose readings through a sensor worn on the back of the upper arm. Users can scan the sensor with a smartphone^* or reader anytime^† to get a glucose reading^* eliminating the need for painful finger pricking.^¥

The FreeStyle Libre system has been transformative for British Columbians like Faith Bloomfield. At 56, she has been living with Type 1 diabetes for nearly 50 years. She enjoys running and biking throughout Vancouver, but found finger pricking a challenge; now, she can test her glucose while she’s on the go.

“The FreeStyle Libre lets me know where my glucose is and where it’s going” says Faith. “I can check my glucose level anytime^† on the app^*, and the daily reports give me unprecedented insight into how my body functions. I can see how different meals or exercise affect my glucose levels and proactively make changes to stay in range.”

The FreeStyle Libre system empowers users to see how lifestyle, diet, medication and activity impacts their glucose results, so they can make more thoughtful and timely self-management decisions.

“FreeStyle Libre can provide a significant benefit to people living with diabetes—allowing them to self-manage their diabetes in a whole new, insightful way,” says Nazli Topors, medical director with Abbott Diabetes Care Canada. “It also enables them to connect with their healthcare professional through remote data sharing^∞, facilitating virtual care instead of in-person appointments.”

However, for many Canadians, the cost of diabetes devices and supplies, like flash glucose monitoring, can be a barrier or a burden to managing their disease.

“I’m fortunate to have private insurance that covers the cost of my FreeStyle Libre system,” says Faith. “It is an invaluable tool for diabetes management and should be accessible to everyone.”

Unfortunately, lack of public funding means access to this technology is out of reach for many British Columbians. Access is limited to those who can afford to pay out of pocket, or those fortunate enough to have employee benefits that cover the cost.

British Columbians living with diabetes urgently need better tools to manage their condition. Let your elected officials know where you stand by joining Diabetes Canada to call for public coverage of advanced glucose monitoring systems like the FreeStyle Libre system. To learn more, visit diabetesstrategynow.ca.

The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.

This article was paid for by Abbott, a manufacturer of diabetes care products in Canada. This is an actual testimonial of a FreeStyle Libre system user and Abbott has consent to use their story. Consent is on file with Abbott.

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Disclaimers

^€ New Data Shows Diabetes Rates And Economic Burden On Families Continue To Rise In B.C., Diabetes Canada, Accessed August 19, 2020 https://www.diabetes.ca/media-room/press-releases/new-data-shows-diabetes-rates-and-economic-burden-on-families-continue-to-rise-in-b.c.–

* The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre reader have similar but not identical features. A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the FreeStyle LibreLink app or when symptoms do not match the app readings. The FreeStyle Libre sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre reader that started it or the FreeStyle LibreLink app that started it. A sensor started by the FreeStyle Libre reader will also communicate with the FreeStyle LibreLink app. The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView.

† 60-minute warm-up required when applying the sensor

^¥ A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings.

^∞ The LibreLinkUp app is only compatible with certain mobile device and operating systems. Please check www.librelinkup.com for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of LibreLinkUp and FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView. The LibreLinkUp mobile app is not intended to be a primary glucose monitor: home users must consult their primary device(s) and consult a healthcare professional before making any medical interpretation and therapy adjustments from the information provided by the app.

This story was provided by Abbott Diabetes Care for commercial purposes.