People with diabetes are very interested in learning about the newest and smallest FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor produced by Abbott Laboratories. This sensor, approved for people with diabetes 4 years and older offers significant improvements. Here is a summary of features that we hope you find helpful when advising people on the best choice based on their needs.

This latest FreeStyle Libre 3 version offers a smaller sensor that is the size of two stacked pennies. With this upgraded sensor, users no longer have to scan the sensor at least every eight hours to prevent data loss. This 14-day sensor automatically transmits glucose values to their smartphones every minute. There is no reader associated with this sensor, so users will need to have a newer android or iPhone that can support the FreeStyle Libre 3 app. It’s a good idea to download the Freestyle 3 app in the office before the person leaves, to make sure their phone supports the app.  If not, they might be better suited to the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM system that does have a reader in addition to the app. 

Sensor insertion is fairly simple. The most important teaching points include making sure the insertion site is washed thoroughly, cleaned with alcohol, and allowed to dry combined with a good site location.  Avoid overwrap that is not ‘breathable’ and would occlude the sensor hole, since moisture can accumulate and affect adhesion. In addition, glucose notifications can only be transmitted to phones when they are within 33 feet of the sensor.

The accuracy of this sensor has a MARD rating of sub-8% (lower is better), and demonstrates accuracy during intense blood sugar fluctuations, which can be reassuring for people making insulin adjustments based on results. Alarms settings can be customized with the exception of the default urgent low glucose alarm which alarms when glucose levels hit 55 mg/dl.

No calibration is needed with the Libre 3 Sensor, but there is a one-hour warm-up period.  Sharing data is made easy with this sensor. Clinicians can log onto Freestyle Libre View Portal to receive data and support people can use the LibreLinkUp to keep track of blood sugar trends.

Unfortunately, in order for Medicare to cover sensors under DME, there needs to be an associated glucose “reader” in addition to the person taking at least one injection of insulin a day. Given this stipulation, people with Medicare may want to opt for the FreeStyle Libre 2 version that comes with a glucose reader. 

With insurance, the cost for 2 sensors is about $65 a month.  For those without insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket expense is $130-160. 

For more information, you can visit the Abbott website and you are invited to purchase our Virtual Conference with Dr. Diana Isaacs, which provides a detailed review of diabetes technology.

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Meds for Type 2 Update; New ADA/EASD Consensus Statement
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Plan on joining this exciting webinar that walks participants through the newly released, “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Consensus Report by the ADA and EASD”.  These updated guidelines will be incorporated into the 2023 ADA Standards of Care, but you can get a early sneak peak by joining Coach Beverly on December 1st, 2022.  She will highlight the revised guidelines with a focus on new elements and exciting changes on how we approach medication management for type 2 diabetes. Together, we will explore clinical factors to consider when determining the best strategy to improve glucose management in people with type 2 diabetes and other co-conditions. There will be a special focus on cardiovascular risk reduction and renal protection and addressing clinical inertia.

Objectives:

1. Describe the role of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
2. Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
3. List strategies to initiate and adjust oral and injectable therapy using a person-centered approach

Intended Audience:  A great course for health care professionals seeking evidence-based information that improves the quality of life and outcomes.

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