Real-world data shows 78% reduction in cardiovascular complications for Type 1 diabetes patients using the CGM system
Last year, MedEdge MEA spotlighted Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system as a transformative biowearable for diabetes management. Now, new real-world data from the REFLECT studies confirm what many had hoped: the Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology isn’t just helping patients manage their blood sugar—it may be saving lives.
Abbott has announced that its FreeStyle Libre system is the first CGM technology associated with significantly fewer hospitalizations due to cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes. The findings are particularly striking among adults with Type 1 diabetes who previously experienced severe low blood sugar episodes—where Libre users saw a 78% reduction in hospitalizations for heart disease-related events compared to those using traditional blood glucose monitors.
For patients with Type 2 diabetes on insulin, the studies also found a marked decrease in heart-related hospitalizations.
“These results are remarkable, as we see dual benefits from CGM technology in managing diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications,” said Dr. David Nathanson, lead study author from Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden. “CGMs empower people to proactively manage their diabetes and make informed health choices through real-time, constant feedback on their glucose levels. This data shows that using CGMs is linked with significantly reduced hospitalizations related to heart issues, which can have a significant impact on patients, their families and the healthcare system by easing medical, emotional and financial burdens.”
A New Chapter in Diabetes and Heart Health
The results from the REFLECT studies shine a light on the growing promise of wearable health technology in chronic disease management. People living with diabetes are significantly more likely to suffer heart disease than those without, yet awareness around cardiovascular risks—especially in Type 1 diabetes—remains low. That’s where this new data could mark a turning point.
“Diabetes already brings so much burden—frequent monitoring, strict diets, injections. But heart complications can tip that burden into something life-threatening,” said Dr. Ramzi Ajjan, Professor of Metabolic Medicine at the University of Leeds. “I am very excited to see data that show significant reduction in cardiovascular disease-related hospital admissions. It’s great to see the clear, positive impact of FreeStyle Libre technology on cardiovascular outcomes, making diabetes management more effective and improving the health of our patients.”
Perhaps most notably, the risk of hospitalization was reduced by 80% among people with Type 1 diabetes who had no prior heart complications, while those with a history of cardiovascular disease saw a 49% drop when using the Libre technology.
A Device That Goes Beyond Glucose
Abbott’s CGM system allows users to check their glucose levels in real time, eliminating the need for frequent finger pricks and providing a clear picture of how diet, activity, and insulin affect blood sugar. It’s a shift from reactive to proactive health management.
“With its heart benefits, Libre makes it easier for people to take control of their health,” said Dr. Mahmood Kazemi, Chief Medical Officer of Abbott’s diabetes care business. “These data are transformative and show just how valuable FreeStyle Libre technology is for managing both diabetes and heart health, helping millions of people live healthy lives.”
Behind the results are the REFLECT studies—large-scale, real-world analyses using data from Sweden’s National Diabetes Register, one of the most comprehensive diabetes registries in the world. The studies reviewed a wide range of cardiovascular events including heart attacks, strokes, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial
fibrillation, and cardiovascular-related deaths—conditions commonly seen in people with diabetes.
The impact isn’t only clinical; it’s also economic. Fewer hospitalizations can mean significant reductions in healthcare costs, especially in healthcare systems already under pressure.
Today, more than 7 million people across over 60 countries use Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system, with full or partial reimbursement available in more than 40 countries. For many, it has become a lifeline.
