Managing diabetes effectively requires tools that provide real-time insight into your blood glucose levels. Abbott’s newly released Freestyle Rio CGM Continuous Glucose Monitor was meant for the population of people diagnosed with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes who are not taking insulin therapy. The new device changes diabetes management for many, providing an over-the-counter, simplified monitoring scheme that encourages better health outcomes.
Understanding the Libre Rio
Libre Rio is the second over-the-counter CGM developed by Abbott, and like Lingo and Freestyle Libre 3 has virtually the same design; still, it is used for a different purpose in diabetes care. While the Lingo is made for health-conscious people to monitor their blood sugar levels. Libre Rio is made for the no-insulin-using diabetes patient.
Key Features of the Libre Rio
Libre Rio is provided with various features as below:
- Size and Design: It is compact at 21mm × 2.9mm high. Freestyle Rio CGM is not bulky nor oversized and is comfortable with its wearability.
- Type of Transmitter: The disposable transmitter allows an effortless free going.
- Placement: It is designed to be worn on the back of the upper arm. For relatively easy, continuous monitoring on the part of the individual.
- Wear Time: Users can expect Libre Rio to last up to 15 days, with a warm-up time of just an hour.
- Measurement Range: The device could measure the blood glucose from 40 to 400 mg/dL. Exceptionally, you can monitor high or low-glucose episodes.
- Age Recommendation: Suitable for individuals 18 and older, making it accessible to a broad audience.
- Measurement Intervals: It provides a reading at one-minute intervals; therefore, the individual can get information on their glucose levels.
Target Audience
Libre Rio targets Type 2 diabetics who continue their disease through some lifestyle modifications, as well as those who are pre-diabetic. This is one of Abbott’s steps in marketing exclusive glucose monitoring products based on the varying needs of diabetic markets.
Importance of Over-the-Counter CGMs
The history of Freestyle Libre systems has always required a prescription in the United States. At the same time, it’s been available over the counter for over a decade in more than 50 other countries. So, introducing Libre Rio is a significant milestone in diabetes care, making glucose monitoring more straightforward and accessible to people in the United States.
According to Lisa Earnhardt, group president of Abbott’s medical devices division, “There is no one-size-fits-all method for glucose monitoring, which is why we’ve intended distinctive products for diverse people.” This philosophy drives Abbott to provide tailored solutions for individuals with different needs.
Benefits of using the Freestyle Rio CGM
- Empowering Patients: The Libre Rio gives the patients control over their health by allowing them to monitor glucose levels. Such results can be submitted to doctors for medical evaluation to advance treatment.
- Ease of Monitoring: Ease of use as a feature in an over-the-counter device enables patients to make glucose monitoring fit into their lifestyle without exertion.
- Promotion of Health Outcomes: Libre Rio reports that better health outcomes are achieved through diet and lifestyle decisions.
Conclusion
Diabetes is one of the most potent public health issues in the U.S., touching nearly 38.4 million lives. Therefore, introducing Freestyle Rio CGM to the market remains a remarkable achievement in diabetes care, particularly among individuals who administer insulin; offering over-the-counter options will bridge gaps in their diabetes care, facilitating easy health monitoring among individuals.
Now that Libre Rio is coming to U.S. shores in 2024, it promises a bright and aspiring future to many diabetes patients, giving them more confidence and the ability to gain better control over their disease. You are looking forward to the next level of your diabetes management journey; here could be the innovation you’ve been waiting for Freestyle Rio CGM.
