An Alternative To Finger Pricking – Your Views

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional about your diabetes management. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.

Approved on 28/04/2023

When you live with diabetes, pricking your fingers several times a day to check your sugar levels can take its toll. Luckily, there’s an alternative that’s easy to use, accurate as well as discreet and convenient¹: the FreeStyle Libre 2 system. But don’t just take our word for it: Abbott's FreeStyle Libre system has changed the lives of approximately 4.5 million people across more than 60 countries around the world2.

A tool to better manage diabetes

We asked over 12,000 of our loyal FreeStyle Libre system users in the UK how they were getting on and what they liked about the system, and this is what they said3:

• 97% agreed that it is more convenient than finger pricks^†

• 96% would recommend it to others

• 4 in 5 agreed that the system has helped them manage their diabetes better

• And over half of the respondents have been using the FreeStyle Libre system for over 2 years!

Fine tuning food choices and lifestyle

Since using the system, as well as 60% of you seeing an improvement in your average glucose levels (HbA1c), 8 in 10 of you told us that the FreeStyle Libre system helps you keep your sugar levels under control and you can better respond to changes in your glucose, whether it’s through food, exercise or insulin³.

When you live with diabetes, you’re advised to eat healthy, balanced, regular meals. With our increasingly busy lives, there’s no one-size-fits all and having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from living your life and enjoying food. And knowing how the food you eat affects your sugar levels can help you make smart choices.

Being physically active is also good for diabetes. Whether you feel able to go for a run or a swim, or can manage on-the-spot walking while the kettle boils, it all makes a difference. Different activities affect your sugar levels in different ways so it’s good to be able to see their impact to decide whether it’s time for a walk or a run or lifting a few weights in the gym (or tins of beans in the kitchen) would be a better option.

No going back

Of those people with diabetes using insulin, who had been prescribed the FreeStyle Libre system³:

• 9 in 10 would never go back to routine finger pricks^†

• 1 in 2 had experienced fewer hypos since starting the system

A worthwhile investment

Overall, 73% of people who took part in the survey agreed that the system is value for money. Thank you for sharing your perspective with us – we value your feedback.

If you haven’t tried the FreeStyle Libre 2 system yet and you’d like to experience some of these benefits too, why not try it for two weeks for free. Sign up now. T&Cs apply.

And we’d love to hear how you get on. Why not share your experience on our Facebook page.