New Data on Freestyle Libre 14-Day Sensor and Cost Reduction in Diabetes Management

Overview of Diabetes in the United States

Recent findings indicate that the painless Freestyle Libre 14-day sensor significantly lowers the expenses associated with self-monitoring blood glucose for patients. In the U.S., around 34 million individuals are affected by diabetes, with the national cost of diabetes exceeding $327 billion as of 2017. Those living with diabetes incur medical expenses that are 2.3 times higher than those without the condition, averaging approximately $9,601 annually for diabetes-related care. Research shows that 27% of these costs are attributed to self-monitoring blood glucose, which includes the use of meters and test strips.

The Importance of Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Unmanaged high or low blood glucose can lead to serious health issues and long-term bodily harm. The American Diabetes Association recommends that patients on an intensive insulin regimen should monitor their glucose levels 6-10 times a day. However, studies reveal that patients typically test an average of only 2.6 times per day. Factors such as cost, pain, self-consciousness, and forgetfulness contribute to the failure to meet these guidelines. Notably, 33% of people with diabetes globally report rationing their blood glucose testing supplies due to financial constraints.

Introduction of the Freestyle Libre 14-Day Sensor

A new flash continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system has emerged as an alternative to traditional finger-prick testing, meters, and test strips. The Freestyle Libre 14-day sensor continuously measures and stores glucose readings automatically. This sensor is painless, discreet, and requires only a one-second scan. It is applied to the back of the upper arm, lasts for 14 days, and wirelessly transmits data to a handheld reader.

Cost Analysis of Freestyle Libre vs. Traditional Methods

In light of this new technology, researchers conducted a cost analysis comparing the flash CGM system to traditional self-monitoring methods, specifically from the perspective of U.S. private payers. The analysis revealed that the annual costs associated with using the Freestyle Libre 14-day sensor were 61% lower for patients with type 1 diabetes and 63% lower for those with type 2 diabetes compared to traditional finger-prick testing. Specifically, the annual cost for traditional testing was approximately $4,380 for type 1 diabetes patients, while it was only $1,712 for those using the flash CGM.

Reduction in Hospitalization Costs

The analysis also estimated that using the Freestyle Libre 14-day sensor led to a 50% reduction in average costs related to low blood sugar, which includes hospitalizations and emergency room visits, compared to traditional monitoring methods. For U.S. private pay patients, the flash CGM system not only offers cost savings but may also reduce the occurrence of severe low blood sugar episodes.

Global Adoption and Future Considerations

Currently, the Freestyle Libre flash CGM system is utilized by over two million individuals across 46 countries, with partial reimbursement available in 36 of these nations, including Canada, the U.S., and the UK. This advancement in technology is both affordable and provides a non-invasive, discreet method for managing diabetes. Further research is recommended to evaluate behavioral changes that could enhance glucose monitoring adherence with flash CGM technology.

References

Diabetes.org. 2020. Statistics | ADA. [online] Available at: [Accessed 9 June 2020].
EurekAlert!. 2020. New Data Show Abbott’s Freestyle® Libre 14 Day System Significantly Reduces Costs Associated With Diabetes Management And Complications. [online] Available at: [Accessed 9 June 2020].
Freestyle.abbott. 2020. Freestyle Libre | Abbott. [online] Available at: [Accessed 9 June 2020].
Shi, L. and Hellmund, R., 2020. Cost Comparison of Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring with Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Using Intensive Insulin—From a US Private Payer Perspective. US Endocrinology, 16(1), p.24.
Yeaw, J., Lee, W., Aagren, M. and Christensen, T., 2012. Cost of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in the United States Among Patients on an Insulin Regimen for Diabetes. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy, 18(1), pp.21-32.
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