MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 17,
2024 /CNW/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced that
the Government of Alberta has
added Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2* flash glucose
monitoring system to the Alberta Drug Benefit List.
Starting December 16, 2024,
Alberta residents living with
diabetes can access provincial reimbursement of the FreeStyle Libre
2 system if they are 18 or older and are being treated with insulin
pump therapy, both basal and bolus insulin, or premixed insulin.
People under the age of 18 can access the FreeStyle Libre 2 flash
glucose monitoring system* if they use any type of insulin.
"This is important news for Albertans living with diabetes,"
said Jeff Winterstein, M.D., an
Edmonton-based internist who
specializes in diabetes. "Providing access to advanced glucose
monitoring will empower people living with diabetes to self-manage
their condition and helps me, as a healthcare provider, make
informed treatment decisions that ultimately lead to better health
outcomes."
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 system represents a significant
advancement in diabetes management. The system continues to be
the market leader in Alberta and
is Canada's leading sensor-based
glucose monitoring system1. It is the most
affordable2 glucose monitoring technology in
Canada and the only system that
delivers 14 days of automatic glucose readings3 sent
every minute4 directly to a smartphone
app§.
"Our mission to make lives easier and healthier for those living
with diabetes is tied to our commitment to accessibility and
affordability," said Luz Herrera,
general manager of Abbott's diabetes care business in Canada. "Through our transformative glucose
monitoring technology, we are dedicated to making a difference. We
commend the Alberta government for
their decision to provide reimbursement, which will significantly
benefit individuals managing their condition."
A recent Canadian Real World Evidence study, FRONTIER, found
that in addition to improved glycemic control for people living
with diabetes who had access to the system, there was also a
significant reduction in hospitalizations and emergency department
visits.5
To learn more about Alberta's
coverage of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system visit the Alberta Drug
Benefit List. For information on reimbursement in many other
Canadian provinces as well as private payers, visit
https://www.freestyle.abbott/ca-en/freestyle-libre-2/coverage.html.
To learn more about the FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose
monitoring system, visit www.MyFreeStyle.ca.
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
114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com and
on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
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DISCLAIMERS
* The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash
glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial
fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes
mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
§ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with
certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the
website for more information about device compatibility before
using the app. Use of FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration
with LibreView.
1. Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care, Abbott Laboratories Co.
Based on the number of users in Canada covered for the FreeStyle Libre
portfolio compared to the number of users for other leading
coverage of sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.
2. Based on comparison of list prices of the FreeStyle Libre
portfolio versus competitor CGM systems. The actual cost to
patients may or may not be lower than other CGM systems, depending
on the amount covered by insurance, if any.
3. Unger, J. Postgraduate Medicine (2020):
https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2020.1744393
4. FreeStyle Libre 2 User's Manual.
5. Harris, S.B., Ratzki-Leewing, A. et al. "FRONTIER – Flash
Glucose Monitoring Use in Ontario Among Patients with DM in the
ICES Database – Evidence from Real World Practice."
Data presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific
Session, June 21-24, 2024.
SOURCE Abbott