Flash glucose monitoring systems
How important is glucose testing?
Monitoring your glucose levels and taking your diabetes medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider, along with proper diet and exercise, is the best way you can manage your diabetes.
Monitoring your glucose levels allows appropriate recognition of low glucose levels and provides immediate feedback about the treatment plans. Frequent high glucose levels may cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels and even to your organs. Therefore, regular monitoring of glucose should be part of your regimen.
How frequent should you test your glucose levels (when using test strips and meter)?
The recommended frequency of monitoring blood glucose may be individualized to each person's unique circumstances. Factors influencing this recommendation include:
- Type of diabetes1 (type 1, type 2, gestational, etc.)
- Types of medication and changes to medication regimen1 (starting or stopping medications that induce hypo- or hyperglycemia, drug-to-drug, or drug-disease interactions)
- Propensity and awareness to diabetes1
- Adequacy of glycemic control2 (not meeting glycemic targets, as determined by a physician, for three months or more)
- Occupational factors2 (a job where hypoglycemia presents a significant safety risk (e.g., pilots, air traffic controllers, commercial drivers)
- An acute illness or co-morbidities which may impact blood glucose control2
1 Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee; Lori D. Berard, Rick Siemens and Vincent Woo. Monitoring Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S47-S53. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.007. PMID: 29650111.
2 British Colombia, Blood glucose testing, January 31, 2024. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/govgov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/pharmacare/prescribers/blood-glucose-testing-and-pharmacare-annual-quantity-limits
Flash Glucose Monitoring Systems
Given the complexity of how frequently one may need to test glucose levels using test strips and meter, patients may opt for a flash glucose monitoring system – a method of glucose testing that measures, displays, and continuously stores glucose readings that are recorded automatically.
A flash glucose monitor is a newer type of device that uses a sensor to measure glucose level without the need for routine finger pricks. Instead, a sensor is applied on the back of the upper arm and provides real-time glucose readings sent directly to your smartphone.
What are the differences between a flash glucose monitoring system and test strips and meters?
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Flash Glucose Monitoring System (FreeStyle Libre 2) |
Test Strips and Meters |
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3 Haak, T. Diabetes Therapy (2017): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6.
4 Unger, J. Postgraduate Medicine (2020): https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2020.1744393
Is there a Flash Glucose Monitoring Systems Covered in your province?
The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is now available in many provinces across Canada - covered by most private insurers‡ and some provincial drug plans. For more information, visit the FreeStyle Libre 2 coverage page today!
Conclusion
Finding the right device for your glucose monitoring needs is an important decision and switching systems might seem complex. Talk to your local health care provider to see if a flash glucose monitoring system is right for you. For more information, visit FreeStyle | Abbott | Canada.
Introduction to FreeStyle Libre system
Difference between interstitial and blood sugar
How to set up the sensor system and how to use the device
How to interpret your readings on the sensor
How to read the sensor report and how does this help with the diabetes management
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 may require registration with LibreView.
† Finger pricks are required when glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations.
‡ Individual drug plans can vary. Check with your plan administrator or insurance company.
©2024 Abbott. The sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. Product images are for illustrative purposes only. ADC-92440 v1.0
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.