NEWS
LIBRE 2 WITH ALARMS LAUNCHED
People living with diabetes in Europe now
have the choice to be alerted in real-time
of hypoglycaemia (low glucose levels)
or hyperglycaemia (high glucose levels)
through the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, a
continuous glucose monitoring system
(CGM). However there is no current date
set for FreeStyle Libre 2 to launch in the
UK and Ireland.
In a press release, Abbott has
announced that it has secured CE Mark
(Conformité Européenne) for its FreeStyle
Libre 2 system-the next generation of
FreeStyle Libre. The original Libre replaced
self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)
without the use of finger sticks. This new
release, the Libre 2, now offers optional
glucose alarms for patients who need or
want them.
"The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is
designed to further empower people with
diabetes by providing a choice about how
they want to use alarms, which can be
a valuable feature for a specific group of
people managing their diabetes," says
Jared Watkin, senior vice president,
Diabetes Care, Abbott. "We're committed
to developing the latest health technology
to help people lead fuller lives. Our goal is
to make FreeStyle Libre widely accessible,
which includes offering additional features
at no additional cost to customers."
How It Works: Alarm. Scan. Act.
Utilizing Bluetooth technology, the FreeStyle
Libre 2 system provides an easy-to-use
alarm experience by offering optional,
customizable alarms for low glucose and
high glucose. Another technical feature
notifies the user of signal loss (e.g., when
the sensor is not communicating with the
reader). In the event of these instances, the
system will alert the user through sound or
vibration (based on the user's personal
preference). The user continues to be
able to scan their FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor
as often as desired to see their glucose
reading, trends and patterns, and eighthour history.
The FreeStyle Libre 2, with optional
alarms, will initially launch in Germany.
The aim is to make the system available to
other countries in Europe, and elsewhere,
going forward. Watch this space, we will
update this information as more news
becomes available.
www.freestylelibre.co.uk
EXTREMES RISK
DEPRESSION
Extreme highs and lows of blood glucose
are associated with depression in people
with diabetes according to research
published by the American Diabetes
Association (ADA). The report, by Paola
Gilsanz et al, concluded that the presence
of depression greatly increases the risk of
severe hypo- and hyperglycemic events,
particularly in the first 6-12 months after
diagnosis, and the risk of depression
increases after severe high or low glycemic
episodes. Diabetes Care.
NEW PATCH PUMP
FROM ACCU-CHEK
Roche has received CE Mark for
its Accu-Chek Solo micropump
system. The company will start a pilot
commercialisation phase for this new
insulin delivery system in Austria, Poland,
Switzerland and the UK in the coming
weeks and is currently conducting
a clinical study in several European
countries.
Roland Diggelmann, CEO Roche
Diagnostics says of the pump, "This
important milestone will enable us to
further expand access to insulin pump
therapy to those people with diabetes
who can benefit most from this therapy
option - so they can spend more time in
their ideal target range and experience
an improved quality of life. The new
modular design of our Accu-Chek Solo
micropump system responds to the
needs of people with diabetes to give
them more discretion and flexibility."
According to press information, "The
Accu-Chek Solo micropump system
allows for convenience and personalisation
in insulin pump therapy while contributing
to a more targeted and effective diabetes
management. It offers the functionalities
of a traditional insulin pump alongside
with the technological advancement of
tube-free insulin delivery. The system
consists of two parts: a small, lightweight
and semi-disposable insulin micropump
and a remote control incorporating blood
glucose monitoring and bolus advice. The
system provides bolus insulin dosing,
both from the remote control, or directly
from the pump. In addition, the system
connects to Roche Diabetes Care's digital
solutions such as the Accu-Chek Smart
Pix system, a proven tool for efficient,
effective and personalised diabetes
management."
www.accu-check.co.uk
SEE OUR
INSULIN
PUMP
OVERVIEW
ON. P.