Victoria resident Martin Howe was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes more than 30 years ago. Like many of the 1.5 million British Columbians living with diabetes,[i] Martin has to measure his glucose regularly to stay healthy and avoidserious or even life-threatening health complications.
Martin used to measure his glucose with finger prick testing several times a day but found the testing painful and inconvenient. Because of this, he struggled to keep track of his glucose levels regularly, resulting in hypoglycaemic attacks and admissions to Royal Jubilee Hospital.
These ER visits deeply concerned both Martin and his family, prompting him to look for a better way to manage his condition.
“My wife is my rock,” says Martin. “Seeing her worry motivated me to work towards managing my health.”
After talking to his endocrinologist, Martin started using Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system§- a flash glucose monitoring system that offers real-time glucose readings through a sensor worn on the back of the upper arm. Now, he can scan the sensor with a smartphone*or reader anytime† to get a glucose reading,*eliminating the need for finger pricks.¥
“Since using the FreeStyle Libre system I haven’t had any severe hypoglycaemic attacks or required hospitalization,” says Martin.
The FreeStyle Libre system also empowers him to see how lifestyle, diet, medication and activity impact his glucose results, so he can make more thoughtful and timely self-management decisions.
Unfortunately, for many British Columbians, the use of this technology is affected by cost considerations.
“I am fortunate to have private insurance that covers the cost of the FreeStyle Libre system,” says Martin. “But many more British Columbians living with diabetes could significantly benefit from public coverage.”
Currently, finger prick tests are still the only option for patients relying on B.C. PharmaCare to pay for diabetes management supplies.
British Columbians living with diabetes urgently need better tools to manage their condition. Join Diabetes Canada’s call for public coverage of advanced glucose monitoring systems like the FreeStyle Libre system. To learn more, visit diabetesstrategynow.ca.
The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
This article was paid for by Abbott, a manufacturer of diabetes care products in Canada. This is an actual testimonial of a FreeStyle Libre system user and Abbott has consent to use their story. Consent is on file with Abbott.
§The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
* The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre reader have similar but not identical features. A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the FreeStyle LibreLink app or when symptoms do not match the app readings. The FreeStyle Libre sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre reader that started it or the FreeStyle LibreLink app that started it. A sensor started by the FreeStyle Libre reader will also communicate with the FreeStyle LibreLink app. The FreeStyle LibreLink 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 LibreLink requires registration with LibreView.
† 60-minute warm-up required when applying the sensor.
¥ A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings.
[1]New Data Shows Diabetes Rates And Economic Burden On Families Continue To Rise In B.C., Diabetes Canada, Accessed August 19, 2020 https://www.diabetes.ca/media-room/press-releases/new-data-shows-diabetes-rates-and-economic-burden-on-families-continue-to-rise-in-b.c.--
