Full Press Release Details
ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT ) today announced that the FreeStyle ® Libre System, the company's revolutionary new continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, is now available to Medicare patients, having met the codes for therapeutic CGM systems used for coverage by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Coverage includes all Medicare patients with diabetes who use insulin and who meet the eligibility criteria 2 .
The factory-calibrated FreeStyle Libre system is the only CGM system recognized by Medicare that requires no user calibration whatsoever (either by fingerstick or manual data entry). The system also does not require the need for routine fingersticks 1 . The high accuracy of the FreeStyle Libre system allows for patients to dose insulin based on the results 1 .
"At Abbott, we are continuously challenging ourselves to ensure our innovative technology is accessible to the majority of people who need it," said Jared Watkin , senior vice president, Diabetes Care, Abbott. "CMS's recognition of this revolutionary health technology, which removes the need for any user calibration, is ultimately going to empower Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes to live better, healthier lives."
Designed to be approachable, accessible and affordable for the 30 million people with diabetes in the United States 3 , the FreeStyle Libre system reads glucose levels through a sensor that is worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 10 days, making it the longest lasting personal glucose sensor available in the U.S.
FREESTYLE LIBRE AND OTHER CGM TECHNOLOGY
Key differences between the FreeStyle Libre system and other CGM technology include:
"The accessibility and affordability of this CGM technology is unprecedented, and this is a huge step forward for the diabetes community—both Type 1 and Type 2," said George Grunberger , M.D., chairman, Grunberger Diabetes Institute. "More importantly, the evidence of FreeStyle Libre being used in the real-world shows how people are getting better insights into their glucose levels with this product and achieving better glycemic control – that's something that you can't put a price to."
HOW THE FREESTYLE LIBRE SYSTEM WORKS
With the FreeStyle Libre system, people with diabetes can:
WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE FREESTYLE LIBRE SYSTEM
The FreeStyle Libre system is now being used by more than 400,000 people across more than 40 countries 9 . Abbott has secured partial or full reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system in 21 countries, including France , Japan , the United Kingdom and now the U.S. For more information, please visit: www.freestylelibre.us .
INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring system is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The system is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription.
CONTRAINDICATIONS : Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.
WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS : Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The FreeStyle Libre system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The FreeStyle Libre system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.
About Abbott At Abbott, we're committed to helping people live their best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world -- in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals -- that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 94,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.
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