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.