Ask any diabetic and they will tell you that finger pricking is a necessary pain that they have to go through daily as part of managing their disease. Blood sugar monitors are essential as these devices help keep track of a patient’s glucose. However, these monitors that require finger pricking fall short of the goal: it tells patients their blood sugar levels only on the exact instance the test is done. Multiple readings are needed to get a better idea of how a patient’s blood sugar behaves over the course of the day. To address this, Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices or CGMs were developed. Unlike traditional devices, CGMs allow patients and doctors to do multiple checks every day without having to resort to pricking fingers for blood sample collection.
“Traditional glucose monitoring uses finger pricking which can be quite painful for some patients. But now, glucose monitoring devices have been revolutionized and innovative technologies have come in, resulting in the development of CGMSs,” Dr. Michael Villa, immediate past president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism shared.
Legendary Filipino entertainer Gary Valenciano said that CGMs have been a godsend for him. Gary V. was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in his teens but through strict monitoring, proper diet, and a healthy lifestyle, he has been living a full and active life since. Gary V. said that the Freestyle Libre CGM by Abbott makes it easy for him to ensure that his blood sugar is at healthy levels during the day.
The Freestyle Libre uses a discreet sensor that is attached to the back of the arm. This is then paired to a portable device. The sensor is easy to apply and lasts for up to 14 days. It is also water resistant so it can be worn even while bathing, swimming, and exercising.
Meanwhile, the reader can scan through clothing. Once paired with the device, the Freestyle Libre reader provides up to 8 hours of glucose monitoring per day with a trend arrow and graphs showing glucose levels throughout the monitoring period. It can also hold up to 90 days of glucose data which can be shown to doctors during the scheduled checkups.
“Diabetes is a condition that requires an almost 24-hour maintenance system. I’m just thankful for Abbott’s Freestyle Libre for allowing me to face life with a smile. The device has really helped me and my family in addressing diabetes and living life to the fullest,” Gary shared.
