Abbott’s Libre technology reduces heart hospitalization in real-world study

Abbott (ABT) announced results from its REFLECT real-world studies that show the use of FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM, technology is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hospitalization for heart complications in people with diabetes. For the first time, data show that CGM technology can help lessen the severity of cardiovascular complications – regardless of a prior history of low blood sugar events or heart disease-related hospitalizations – in individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Findings from the studies also show a similar reduction in heart-related hospitalizations for those with Type 2 diabetes on insulin using Libre biowearable technology. Adults with Type 1 diabetes who have had serious low blood sugar episodes are twice as likely to be hospitalized for heart-related issues. The findings suggest that the use of Libre technology could lead to lower healthcare costs due to the reduction in hospital admissions related to heart complications. The risk of hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease was reduced by 80% among people with Type 1 diabetes with no prior history of cardiovascular disease when using the Libre biowearable technology compared to those who used a traditional blood glucose monitor. For individuals with a prior history of cardiovascular disease, the risk of hospitalizations was reduced by 49%.