freestyle libre flash glucose monitoring system calibration

Trade-Offs With Current Continuous Glucose Monitorsīy utilizing the wand system that requires some user involvement to elicit a glucose reading, the Freestyle Libre Flash employs a “hybrid” approach that appears to offer several advantages compared to existing continuous glucose monitors (aka CGM).įreestye Libre Flash, from a slide at EASD 2013Ĭompared to existing models, the Freestyle Libre Flash sensor is less bulky by abandoning the wireless transmitter, and has FDA approval to be worn for much longer (14 days as opposed to 6-7 days of current CGM’s), and in a potentially more appealing location (the back of the upper arm, whereas current CGM’s only have approval in the abdomen). Unbeknownst to many health care providers and potential users, current continuous glucose monitors (such as the Dexcom G4 Platinum and Medtronic Enlite) require a fingerstick every 12 hours for calibration. The Libre Flash’s key distinguishing feature is the promise of minimizing the need for finger sticks, as it does not require finger sticks for calibration. Waving an iPhone-like wand over the sensor transmits a current glucose reading, an 8-hour history, and the direction of glucose trend. The sensor is waterproof and can be worn for up to 14 days.

The Freestyle Libre Flash is a small circular wearable sensor worn on the back of the upper arm that samples glucose from the interstitial fluid every 5 minutes via a 5mm filament that protrudes into the skin. One of the latest innovations in glucose monitoring for diabetes became reality this past Wednesday with the announcement that Abbott’s Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System had received a CE mark of approval by European health care authorities.

Freestyle libre flash glucose monitoring system calibration