FreeStyle Libre 3 the worlds smallest monitor is finally here

A global healthcare company has announced that its FreeStyle LibreLink app is now compatible with Novo Nordisk’s smart connected insulin pens in the UK.

Individuals using Abbott’s updated Freestyle LibreLink app and NovoPen^® 6 and NovoPen Echo^® Plus devices will now be able to easily view glucose and insulin dosing data together.

People can also opt to share their integrated data with their healthcare team through LibreView the cloud-based data system, enabling more informed, data-driven consultations to support personalised care.

This product integration reflects Abbott’s commitment to make diabetes management easier by linking key technologies such as sensor-based glucose monitoring and smart connected insulin pens.

With this new integration, people living with diabetes can transfer their insulin data from their smart connected pens and quickly see how medication, food and physical activity are impacting their glucose levels, helping them decide when and how much insulin to take.

Insulin dosage history is recorded in the FreeStyle LibreLink app, showing the time and the amount taken, alongside glucose levels.

This information could help prevent insulin stacking, which is when a person uses rapid-acting insulin, multiple times at close intervals, which can result in low glucose levels. Optional alarms notifying high glucose levels will also be provided, to help prevent missed doses.

These are two issues that are particularly relevant for those who take multiple insulin injections per day.

According to Diabetes UK, 4.9 million people are living with diabetes in the UK. This is expected to increase to 5.5 million by 2030.

The FreeStyle Libre systems are the most widely used glucose sensing technology in the UK, used by around 65 per cent of people with Type 1 diabetes. In March, NICE published updated guidelines to expand access for this technology for people with type 2 diabetes who inject insulin multiple times per day.

Professor Partha S. Kar, OBE, National Specialty Advisor, Diabetes at NHS England and Consultant Endocrinologist at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, was involved in the pilot of the partnership.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see FreeStyle Libre integrating with key insulin delivery data from the NovoPen devices.

“This could be a really positive step in helping to make day-to-day management easier for people with diabetes and their healthcare teams.”

He added: “The evidence is undeniable of the benefits broader access to tech can bring for people with diabetes, so I am pleased to see this connectivity now available in the UK.”

Neil Harris, General Manager of Abbott’s diabetes care business in the UK and Ireland, said: “Access to diabetes data empowers people by removing some of the guesswork related to the relentless management of the condition.

“Abbott is continuing to pave the way for the future of diabetes care, not only through continuous innovation of the FreeStyle Libre systems, but also by working with Novo Nordisk and other insulin device companies to help further remove some of the daily burden for people with diabetes.”

Abbott is also partnering with several leading insulin pump manufacturers to develop integrated diabetes solutions aimed at simplifying and improving diabetes management.

The combination of the company’s glucose sensing technology with insulin delivery and digital coaching leaders, can have a meaningful impact on the lives of people living with diabetes by providing them with technology that helps them personalise their care.