Healthy Habits: New Technology for Diabetes Testing

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing epidemics, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. Approximately one in two people with diabetes remain undiagnosed and untreated, which can result in significant health consequences.¹ 

The number of people living with the condition has continued to skyrocket, yet despite many advances, diabetes management is challenging. A key reason: the dreaded and painful, yet essential fingerstick that more than 30 million Americans with diabetes have to endure up to 12 times a day. 

Routine fingersticks are critical to diabetes management and have been the standard of glucose testing for decades; however, studies have shown that patients continue to struggle to adhere to recommendations for glucose monitoring.^,,,,,,, Reasons include the cost of test strips, the painful fingersticks and simply forgetting to test. However, lack of testing can lead to missing significant glucose fluctuations, which can result in major health consequences.

The FDA recently approved a revolutionary glucose monitoring system called the FreeStyle Libre 14 day, allowing Americans with diabetes to manage their glucose levels without the use of a fingerstick for up to 14 days. 

In honor of World Diabetes Day on November 14, Type 1 diabetes patient Reny Partain and diabetes educator Amy Folker highlighted the benefits of the recent advancements in diabetes management, as well as share both clinical and first-hand experience for those living with the condition. 

Courtesy: Abbott