05 April 2019 | News
Abbott announces the launch of a digital ecosystem of free mobile apps
A cause as big as the War on Diabetes 6 needs every help it can get - a new ally joins the fight, as Abbott announces the launch of a digital ecosystem of free mobile apps and secure, cloud-based data management system, enabling real-time, actionable information to help Singaporeans manage diabetes better.
Over half a million Singaporeans are affected by diabetes. Effective management of the condition starts with regular glucose monitoring. Fitting glucose monitoring seamlessly into a user's daily lifestyle is now possible with the FreeStyle LibreLink app, which can be used by Singaporeans with compatible smartphones (both iPhone and Android). People living with diabetes and using the FreeStyle Libre system can now directly scan and access glucose data using their smartphones, eliminating the need to carry the separate FreeStyle Libre reader (a handheld device used to scan the FreeStyle Libre sensor to get a glucose result).
Utilizing the smartphone's near-field communication (NFC), the FreeStyle LibreLink app helps users capture and view real-time glucose levels, an eight-hour glucose history, how glucose is currently changing, and easily add notes to track food, insulin use, medication and exercise.
Users of the FreeStyle LibreLink app will have access to several updates and new features in comparison to the FreeStyle Libre reader including: a larger, high-resolution display, textto-speech capabilities for glucose readings (when enabled), the ability to log smaller doses of insulin (0.1 unit versus 0.5 units), and support for 26 languages. While the app can replace the reader for routine glucose testing, the two can also be used in combination with each other.
President of Diabetes Singapore, Dr. Kevin Tan commented, “Studies have shown that patients are checking their glucose levels more regularly when they use the FreeStyle Libre system which results in a marked improvement in diabetes management. The introduction of the FreeStyle LibreLink and LibreLinkUp mobile apps advances the functionality of this ecosystem. Now, people living with diabetes can easily scan using their mobile phones without having to carry another device, providing real-time data to users and their caregivers which Page 2 of 3 ensures better control over their condition. This can potentially help reduce the burden of diabetes on Singapore’s health system.”
Digital Ecosystem The FreeStyle Libre digital ecosystem is built around tools that help users to Scan (to view one’s glucose levels), Reveal (share glucose data with healthcare professional) and Connect (share glucose data with loved ones and caregivers). FreeStyle LibreLink users can share their glucose information with a healthcare professional through LibreView, a secure, cloud-based diabetes management system.
Users also have the option to share their information with loved ones and caregivers through the LibreLinkUp app. Every time a user scans the sensor, caregivers and loved ones who have been provided access through LibreLinkUp can see the glucose information, anytime, anywhere. The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the LibreLinkUp app can be downloaded free of charge for both iPhone and Android in Singapore.
“FreeStyle Libre is used by over a million people globally, and this mobile app has become popular among the user community” explains Robert Wagner, General Manager, Diabetes Care, Abbott. “The FreeStyle LibreLink app is backed by a digital ecosystem that enables Singaporeans to share actionable information with their healthcare professional and loved ones. The War on Diabetes has a new ally - users can choose their smartphone, or FreeStyle Libre reader, or both, to manage diabetes effectively”.
FreeStyle Libre is presently available across 46 countries, and 33 of these have full or partial reimbursement.