In its first evaluation of real-world data derived from its FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor in people with Type 2 diabetes, Abbott found that the system was able to significantly reduce hemoglobin A1c levels among patients who take multiple insulin injections per day.
Presented as a late-breaking abstract at the annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in San Francisco, the combined, retrospective analysis gathered data from three studies of more than 360 users in France, Germany and Austria who had been receiving intensive insulin therapy for an average of over eight years.
The results showed nearly a full percentage point drop in average HbA1c after three months of use, with levels dropping from 8.9% to 8.0%, which Abbott describes as a strong step toward the ADA’s recommended goal of 7% for most adults with diabetes.
In addition, the real-world data showed no differences based on age group, gender, body mass index or duration of insulin use.
RELATED: Abbott's medtech offerings power it to a strong quarter, but investors still balk
A1c levels, which average blood sugar levels over three months, can be an indicator of success in treatment or of long-term complications from diabetes, according to Abbott.
RELATED: Novo Nordisk to make its digital insulin pens compatible with Abbott, Glooko and more
In addition, a separate, randomized trial published earlier this year showed that the use of Abbott’s 14-day glucose monitoring system could help lower HbA1c and improve glucose control in Type 2 diabetes.
Over 10 weeks, levels were reduced by 0.82%, compared to a 0.33% drop in a control group receiving standard therapy. The independent study of about 100 participants was published this past April in the ADA journal Diabetes Care.
According to Abbott, its FreeStyle Libre system is now being used by more than 1.5 million people with diabetes across 46 countries.
“With more than 425 million people living with diabetes around the world, there's an immense opportunity for Abbott's technology to change more lives and the future of those with diabetes," said Mahmood Kazemi, divisional vice president for global medical and scientific affairs, said in a statement.