Real-World Data Show Abbott's FreeStyle Libre® Systems and GLP-1 Medicines Work Better Together for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Rhea-AI Summary

Abbott announces new data showing improved HbA1c results in Type 2 diabetes patients using GLP-1 medicines with FreeStyle Libre technology. The studies presented at a conference highlight significant benefits of combining these treatments for better glucose management.

Insights

Endocrinologist

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a cornerstone in the management of Type 2 diabetes, enhancing insulin secretion and promoting weight loss. The integration of FreeStyle Libre technology, a form of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), appears to synergistically improve glycemic control. This is likely due to the immediate feedback on glucose levels provided by CGM, enabling patients to make more informed decisions regarding diet, exercise and medication. The reported reduction in HbA1c—a key marker for long-term glucose management—by 1.5% to 2.4% is clinically significant, as every 1% drop in HbA1c is associated with a reduction in the risk of microvascular complications by approximately 35%. This data suggests that the combination therapy could potentially reduce the burden of diabetes-related complications, ultimately impacting healthcare costs and patient quality of life.

Medical Technology Analyst

Abbott's FreeStyle Libre system's impact on adherence and treatment efficacy underscores the growing importance of digital health technologies in chronic disease management. The adoption of CGM systems is a pivotal trend in diabetes care, with the potential to disrupt traditional blood glucose monitoring markets. Abbott's reported increase in efficacy when used alongside GLP-1 RAs could stimulate further market penetration and drive demand for its FreeStyle Libre system. As the most widely used CGM system, with over 5.5 million users across 60 countries, Abbott may see an increase in market share and a strengthened competitive position. Investors should monitor adoption rates post-study publication and any strategic partnerships or insurance coverage expansions that may arise from these findings.

Healthcare Economist

The implications of improved glycemic control for the broader healthcare economy are considerable. Enhanced management of Type 2 diabetes through technologies like CGM can lead to a decrease in the long-term healthcare costs associated with diabetes complications. Given that diabetes accounts for a significant portion of healthcare spending globally, the integration of FreeStyle Libre technology with GLP-1 RA therapy could be economically beneficial. By potentially reducing hospitalizations, medication needs and comorbid conditions, this combination therapy may offer cost savings to both payers and patients. However, the initial costs of CGM technology and its long-term cost-effectiveness should be carefully evaluated in different healthcare settings.

• Data analyses show that people with Type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 medicines saw a significant improvement in their HbA1C after adding FreeStyle Libre technology to their regimen
• Better HbA1c results were achieved irrespective of GLP-1 duration, GLP-1 type, or insulin therapy type
• FreeStyle Libre systems help people adhere to diabetes treatment plans and support positive behavior changes by providing real-time data that shows how food, activity and medication can impact a person's glucose levels

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced new data from two real-world studies^{1, 2} showing people with Type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 medicines and FreeStyle Libre technology together had greater improvement in their HbA1c when compared to those treated with GLP-1 medicines only. HbA1c is a measurement of a person's average blood glucose level over three months. These findings were presented at the 17th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) held in Florence, Italy, on March 6, 2024.

GLP-1 medicines – also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) - are increasingly being prescribed for people with Type 2 diabetes as they provide glycemic benefit and support weight loss. When blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to release more insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. They also reduce appetite leading to less food intake and weight loss. Studies show that reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight can make diabetes more manageable.³

The two real-world studies presented at ATTD found:

• People with Type 2 diabetes and an HbA1C ≥8% while using GLP-1 medicines saw a significant improvement in their HbA1C (-1.5%), six months after adding FreeStyle Libre technology to their treatment. Results in this first study were irrespective of GLP-1 duration, GLP-1 type or insulin therapy type¹
• People had a greater reduction in HbA1c when using GLP-1 and FreeStyle Libre technology together (-2.4%), compared to using GLP-1 alone (-1.7%). The second study analyzed data from a cohort of people on GLP-1 only and those on GLP-1 & FreeStyle Libre systems therapies²

"The data analyses confirm that people using GLP-1 medicines to manage their diabetes can achieve even better results when using it together with FreeStyle Libre technology," said Dr. Mahmood Kazemi, chief medical officer for Abbott's diabetes care business. "This type of complementary relationship is not uncommon in diabetes care treatment. Similar to pairing with insulin therapy, FreeStyle Libre technology is a beneficial companion to GLP-1 therapy, providing the real-time data that people with diabetes can use to make positive behavior changes and navigate their GLP-1 usage safely."

"GLP-1 medicines can be very effective in lowering HbA1C for people with Type 2 diabetes who require intensified treatment," said Dr. Eden Miller, diabetologist and obesity medicine fellow at Diabetes and Obesity Care in Bend, Oregon. "While treating my patients, I've observed that when we've added a CGM, like the FreeStyle Libre technology, to their GLP-1 therapy, we see even better glycemic control. To maximize the benefits of GLP-1 medicines, it's worth considering the combination of a CGM to support people who live with Type 2 diabetes."

Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nervous system.⁴ Technology, such as the FreeStyle Libre systems, enables people to see real-time changes in glucose levels that can help them stick to the right therapy and lifestyle.

The FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems include a sensor, which is applied to the back of the upper arm for up to 15 days, paired with a reader or compatible smartphone app that displays glucose readings. The Freestyle Libre technology is the most widely used CGM system worldwide helping more than 5.5 million people living across more than 60 countries easily monitor their glucose levels.

About the real-world studies^1,2:

The first real-world study, entitled, "FreeStyle Libre improves HbA1c in people receiving GLP-1 therapy for type 2 diabetes," used Optum's de-identified Market Clarity Data, a linked electronic health records (EHR)-claims database and included US adults with Type 2 diabetes and elevated HbA1c (≥8%) with their first FreeStyle Libre acquisition between 2018 and 2022.  Patients were required to be on GLP-1 before initiating FreeStyle Libre, with at least one GLP-1 prescription within 180 days of FreeStyle Libre. GLP-1 initiation was defined as the earliest GLP-1 prescription from 2017 onwards. Paired changes in HbA1c were assessed at six months after initial FreeStyle Libre acquisition. The study cohort included 1,781 adults with Type 2 diabetes (age 55±10 years, 52% male, 38% with bolus insulin therapy, mean 499 days from GLP-1 initiation to FreeStyle Libre, and a baseline HbA1c of 9.8±1.5%).

The second real-world study, entitled, "Initiating GLP-1 therapy in combination with FreeStyle Libre provides greater benefit compared to GLP-1 therapy alone," also used Optum's de-identified Market Clarity Data, and included US adults with Type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥8% who acquired their first GLP-1 between 2018 and 2022. The GLP-1 and FreeStyle Libre group subjects acquired their first FreeStyle Libre sensor within ±30 days of their first GLP-1 acquisition.

Cohorts were matched on baseline insulin therapy, age, sex, baseline HbA1c and GLP-1 type. Paired change in HbA1c was compared between matched groups at six months.  The study included 24,246 adults in the GLP-1 only group (age 58±12 years, 51% male) and 478 adults in the GLP-1 and FreeStyle Libre group (age 54±11 years, 58% male).

Important Safety Information – FreeStyle Libre Systems

Failure to use FreeStyle Libre systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose reading and alarms (if enabled) do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or  freestyle.abbott/us-en/safety-information.html for safety info.

About Abbott:

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

References

¹ Miller E et al. FreeStyle Libre improves HbA1c in people receiving GLP-1 therapy for type 2 diabetes. Presented at ATTD 2024.

² Wright E et al. Initiating GLP-1 therapy in combination with FreeStyle Libre provides greater benefit compared to GLP-1 therapy alone. Presented at ATTD 2024.

³ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/healthy-weight.html

⁴ Denicolò S, Perco P, Thöni S, Mayer G. Non-adherence to antidiabetic and cardiovascular drugs in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with renal and cardiovascular outcomes: A narrative review. J Diabetes Complicat 2021;35:107931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2021.107931 

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SOURCE Abbott

FAQ

How did people with Type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 medicines benefit from adding FreeStyle Libre technology?

People with Type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 medicines saw significant improvement in their HbA1c after adding FreeStyle Libre technology to their regimen.

What were the key findings of the two real-world studies presented by Abbott?

The studies found that people with Type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 medicines and FreeStyle Libre technology together had greater improvement in their HbA1c compared to those treated with GLP-1 medicines only.

How does GLP-1 medication help people with Type 2 diabetes?

GLP-1 medicines stimulate the body to release more insulin, lower blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, lead to weight loss, and provide glycemic benefits for people with Type 2 diabetes.

What is the role of FreeStyle Libre technology in diabetes management?

FreeStyle Libre technology provides real-time data that shows how food, activity, and medication can impact a person's glucose levels, helping them adhere to treatment plans and make positive behavior changes.

What are the potential complications of uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes?

Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system.