Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle Libre 3 to Integrate with Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

On Monday, March 6, 2023, Abbott announced that its Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance to integrate with automated insulin delivery systems .  

According to Jared Watkin, senior vice president for Abbott’s diabetes care business, this effort contributes to the company’s goal of making diabetes care “as easy as possible.”

Automated insulin delivery—also referred to as hybrid-closed-loop or artificial-pancreas-device system—is a way of delivering insulin through an insulin pump that communicates with a CGM. Through the FDA clearance, Freestyle Libre 2 or Freestyle Libre 3 users will soon be able to pair their sensors with insulin pumps.

By allowing Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle Libre 3 to integrate with automated insulin delivery systems, people with diabetes can be more hands-off with their blood-sugar management—improving their quality and enjoyability of life.

The clearance allows for all FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors—both those available today and the modified sensors available in the future—to be used by women with any type of diabetes who are pregnant.

Modified Freestyle Libre 2 and 3 sensors will be available in the U.S. later in 2023, can be worn for up to 15 days, and are also approved for use in children as young as 2 years old.

Current Freestyle Libre 2 and 3 devices are approved for use in people 4 years old and older in the U.S., with a wear time of up to 14 days.

Abbott currently has the most prescribed suite of CGM products. 

Freestyle Libre devices are well-known for their affordability in the space. Freestyle Libre 2 users have reported paying around $130-140 for a month’s supply at the pharmacy counter without even having to run insurance.

Abbott also offers a savings program called MyFreestyle, which allows people with diabetes to try Freestyle Libre 2 or 3 sensors for free.

Modified versions of the company’s sensors will slowly replace current Freestyle Libre 2 and 3 sensors. This significant change for users of Freestyle Libre 2 or 3 sensors with an insulin pump is poised to be a diabetes management game-changer for millions of people.