- The #1 prescribed continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
system1 now connects to the #1 doctor-recommended weight
management plan2 to help people living with diabetes
understand how food and activity impact their glucose levels
- WeightWatchers Diabetes-Tailored Plan members can now see key
glucose data3,4,5 from Abbott's FreeStyle
Libre® 2 system within the WW app6
ABBOTT PARK, Ill. and NEW YORK, Sept. 19,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and WW
International, Inc. (NASDAQ: WW), known as WeightWatchers,
announced today the availability of a connected app to help people
living with diabetes understand how food and activity impact their
glucose levels. WeightWatchers members who follow the WW
Diabetes-Tailored Plan can now access their glucose
data3,4,5 from Abbott's FreeStyle
Libre® 2, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
system, within their WW app6 while being guided by
the WW Diabetes-Tailored Plan.
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, and according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, more than 37 million Americans have
diabetes and approximately 90 percent of those people have Type 2
diabetes 7. Some of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes
include lifestyle decisions that pertain to food, activity, and
weight. If managed successfully, healthy lifestyle choices can
decrease the chances of diabetes-related complications or
comorbidities.
Maintaining a healthy weight is key to glucose control, which is
especially important for people living with Type 2 diabetes who
want to improve their overall well-being and prevent the
progression of the condition.
"Clinical data shows that healthy weight loss leads to a
reduction of average glucose which is important for people living
with diabetes," said Dr. Mahmood
Kazemi, chief medical officer for Abbott's diabetes care
business. "Abbott and WeightWatchers both have a long history of
helping people live healthier lives. Through our partnership,
members of the WW Diabetes-Tailored Plan can see within one app how
food and activity impact their glucose levels with data backed by
our FreeStyle Libre 2 system, so they can make healthy lifestyle
choices. "
"WeightWatchers is the #1 doctor recommended weight-management
program2, and our WW Diabetes-Tailored Plan has been
proven to reduce members hemoglobin A1c by 0.76 and decrease
diabetes distress by 9.8 percent8," said Gary Foster, chief scientific officer for
WeightWatchers. "Together, our two trusted brands are helping
people living with Type 2 diabetes better understand and manage
their chronic condition and gain control of their health while
still enjoying the foods they love."
The WW Diabetes-Tailored Plan, designed by WW's team of
nutrition and behavioral science experts helps those living with
Type 2 diabetes form helpful habits and meet their health goals for
lasting change. The WW Diabetes-Tailored Plan has been shown to
help people living with diabetes lose weight and lower their
hemoglobin A1c,9,10 a test that reflects average
glucose levels for the past three months. The higher a person's
hemoglobin A1c level is, the higher their risk is for diabetes
complications.
From now until Dec. 31, 2023, new
WW members can enjoy a free month11 of the
WeightWatchers Diabetes-Tailored Plan and connect the WW app with
the FreeStyle Libre 2 system. Any new FreeStyle Libre 2 users may
be eligible to receive a voucher for a free11 trial
of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system when they sign up for the
MyFreeStyle Libre program12.
To sign up for each of these offers and to learn more about the
connected app experience, visit ww.com/diabetesconnection.
The FreeStyle Libre portfolio is the number one sensor-based
glucose monitoring system in the world13 changing the
lives of over 5 million people across more than 60
countries14 by providing breakthrough technology
that is accessible and affordable.15
About WW International, Inc.
WeightWatchers is a
human-centric technology company powered by our proven,
science-based, clinically effective weight loss and weight
management program. For six decades, we have inspired millions of
people to adopt healthy habits for real life. We combine technology
and community to help members reach and sustain their goals on our
program. To learn more about the WeightWatchers approach to healthy
living, please visit ww.com. For more information about our global
business, visit our corporate website at corporate.ww.com.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more
fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing
technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading
businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices,
nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues
serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn
at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-, on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
Important Safety Information
Failure to use the
FreeStyle Libre 2 system as instructed in labeling may result in
missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a
treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose alarms and
readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick
value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek
medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at
855-632-8658 for safety info.
FreeStyle Libre Customer Service:
People in the U.S.
who have questions about the FreeStyle Libre portfolio can reach
out to Abbott's Customer Service toll-free at 855-632-8658. Agents
are available seven days a week from 8 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding holidays.
1 Data based on the number of patients assigned to each
manufacturer based on last filled prescription in US Retail
Pharmacy and DME.
2 Based on a 2020 IQVIA survey of 14,000 doctors who recommend
weight-loss programs to patients.
3 The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile
devices and operating systems. Please see the FreeStyle Libre
website for more information about device compatibility before
using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires
registration with LibreView.
4 The app can capture data from the sensor when it is within close
proximity of the sensor. The proximity and orientation of the
antenna in phones varies and the phone will have to be moved around
to find the best position for scanning the sensor.
5 The user's device must have internet connectivity for glucose
data to be shared with the WW app.
6 The WW and FreeStyle Libre 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day connected
experience is compatible with certain mobile operating systems.
Please check the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for more
information about WW app operating system requirements.
7 Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Last reviewed April 18, 2023.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html
8 Data based on 2022 WW's three-center clinical trial testing the
effectiveness of its programs tailored for those living with
diabetes on weight management, as well as overall health and
well-being.
https://corporate.ww.com/news-room/press-releases/news-details/2022/WW-ANNOUNCES-STUDY-RESULTS-SHOWING-CLINICALLY-SIGNIFICANT-IMPROVEMENTS-FOR-PEOPLE-LIVING-WITH-DIABETES-ON-CUSTOMIZED-PROGRAM/default.aspx
9 Apolzan JW et al. A Scalable, Virtual Weight Management Program
Tailored for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Glycemic
Control. Nutrition & Diabetes. 2023.
10 Based on 6-month multicenter trial results from WW
Diabetes-Tailored Plan without CGM. Funded by WW International,
Inc.
11 After your free 30 day trial, you'll automatically be signed up
at the discounted monthly rate of $14.99 for Core or $24.99 for Premium unless you cancel before
the free trial period ends (midnight Eastern
Standard Time on the 30th day of your free
trial). Thereafter, your membership will be
automatically renewed and you will be charged monthly at the
discounted monthly rate for the life of your membership until you
cancel. To cancel,
visit https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/marketing/free-trial-cancellation or
call us at 800-651-6000. Offer available only to new and
rejoining members who use the FreeStyle Libre 2 system or FreeStyle
Libre 14 day system. Discounted monthly rate only
available as long as you continue to purchase and use the
FreeStyle Libre 2 system or FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with the
WW experience. Offer ends 12/31/23. For
Premium: Offer available in participating areas
only.
12 Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor
for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at
$0 copay. The expiration date
of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is
available for patients with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational
diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and
receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor.
Patients ages 4-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1)
FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor through their parent or guardian.
This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or
rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are
not available to beneficiaries of Kaiser Permanente, Medicare,
Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs, residents
of Massachusetts, or US
territories (other than Puerto
Rico). The free (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is provided as
a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per
product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor cannot
be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third-party payer for
reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future
purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.
13 Data based on the number of users worldwide for FreeStyle Libre
family of personal CGMs compared to the number of users for other
leading personal CGM brands and based on CGM sales dollars compared
to other leading personal CGM brands.
14 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care.
15 Based on a comparison of list prices of the FreeStyle Libre 3
iCGM system versus competitors' (i)CGM systems. The actual
cost to patients may or may not be lower than other (i)CGM systems,
depending on the amount covered by insurance, if any. Abbott
provides this information as a courtesy; it is subject to change
and interpretation. The customer is ultimately responsible for
determining the appropriate codes, coverage, and payment policies
for individual patients. Abbott does not guarantee third-party
coverage or payment for our products or reimburse customers for
claims that are denied by third-party payers.
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SOURCE Abbott