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What is the FreeStyle Libre system?
FreeStyle Libre is a flash glucose monitoring system. When you scan the FreeStyle Libre sensor with a compatible smartphone* you get a glucose (blood sugar) reading. It is a small sensor (the size of a R5 coin) that you insert into the back of your upper arm.
Using a FreeStyle LibreLink app (on your compatible smartphone), you scan the sensor for a glucose reading. No fingersticks**, and no need to calibrate. It is a simple one-second scan that you can repeat as many times as you like during the day. The sensor collects data on your blood glucose readings for 8 hours between scans, even while you sleep, so you have a constant picture of what your blood glucose is doing.
Find out more at www.FreeStyleLibre.za.com
How much does it cost?
R990 per sensor. Each sensor lasts two weeks, so you need two sensors a month. The FreeStyle Libre replaces fingerstick blood glucose testing**. The app, FreeStyle LibreLink is available to download for free on the App store or Google Play.
Do medical aids cover the FreeStyle Libre?
The FreeStyle Libre is now covered by Discovery Health as part of the Discovery CGM Benefit! Here are all the details about how to claim this benefit.
The FreeStyle Libre is not covered automatically by other medical aids at the moment. Abbott has a free patient support programme that helps you to apply to your medical aid to get it covered.
Simply email abbottdiabetescaresa@supportwindow.co.za or call 010 786 0316 to get started.
Where can I buy it?
Sensors are available online from the CDE Online Store (free shipping when you order two or more sensors) or Pharmacy Direct, a courier pharmacy that delivers anywhere in South Africa. You can also buy it in person at the CDE Pharmacy in Houghton, Johannesburg, or from M-Kem in Durbanville, Cape Town.
Is it suitable for people living with type I and type II diabetes?
The FreeStyle Libre is suitable for anyone on multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin. It tracks your blood glucose throughout the day, so it’s helpful for people living with diabetes trying to control their blood sugar.
Is the FreeStyle Libre difficult to apply?
Not at all – the entire unit comes in the box and it’s a simple click-and-push action. The whole thing takes less than five minutes.
What is the FreeStyle LibreLink app?
The FreeStyle LibreLink app is a free app that acts as a reader for the FreeStyle Libre sensor. You can monitor your blood glucose on your compatible smartphone, without fingersticks. View your current blood glucose reading, trend arrow (whether your blood sugar is going up or down), past history (readings up to the last 8 hours) and add notes on food, insulin and exercise. It also gives you easy access to trends and patterns – and lets you share your data with your doctor and loved ones.
* The use of FreeStyle LibreLink app and LibreLinkUp requires registration with LibreView, a service provided by Abbott and Newyu, Inc. FreeStyle Libre readers and sensors are provided by Abbott. The FreeStyle LibreLink app is compatible with NFC enabled phones running Android OS 5.0 or higher and with iPhone 7 and higher running OS 11 and higher. The FreeStyle LibreLink app and FreeStyle Libre reader have similar characteristics but are not identical.A fingerstick 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 or when symptoms do not match the readings on the FreeStyle Libre reader or FreeStyle LibreLink apps.** Finger sticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.
ADC-22708 V1 May 2020
This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by Abbott.
