Glucose self-monitoring system now on prescription across UK & Ireland

Healthcare company Abbott has announced that its FreeStyle Libre sensor is now available on prescription in England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland.

The sensor is a glucose monitoring system that is designed to help people measure their glucose levels and achieve better health outcomes.  

The system automatically reads glucose levels through a sensor that is worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days, eliminating the need for routine finger pricks and user calibration.

Prescriptions will be based on an individual’s suitability and subject to approval by a patient’s clinical commissioning group or health board.

Two clinical trials show that people who use the system scan their glucose levels an average of at least 15 times every day. Higher rates of self-monitoring glucose levels have been found to be associated with improved glucose measures, including decreased time in hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.

Neil Harris, general manager of Abbott's UK diabetes care business, said: “The FreeStyle Libre system has been shown to offer life-changing improvements for people with diabetes intensively-using insulin, to help them live healthier and fuller lives. We are hopeful that we can assist several thousands of people with diabetes with our innovative technology which can help manage their condition."