Diabetes is a pervasive health challenge affecting millions. Every 23 seconds, another person in America faces a diabetes diagnosis, a reality that can be both daunting and life-altering. For Sherri Shepherd, a comedian and talk show host, the gravity of diabetes hit home when her son’s heartfelt question, “Mommy, if you die, who’s going to be my bodyguard?” resonated deeply, marking a critical juncture in her health journey. This pivotal moment propelled her to seek robust diabetes management solutions, leading her to discover the transformative potential of Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, a cornerstone of what we recognize as the Abbott Compassionate Care Program.
The Abbott Compassionate Care program embodies a commitment to patient-centric healthcare, aiming to provide individuals with the tools and support necessary to navigate their health challenges effectively. At the heart of this program is the understanding that managing chronic conditions like diabetes requires not just medication, but also continuous insight and personalized care. This is where FreeStyle Libre CGM systems play a crucial role, offering real-time glucose level monitoring to empower informed decision-making throughout the day.
The power of continuous glucose monitoring lies in its ability to provide actionable knowledge. Unlike traditional blood glucose meters that offer snapshots in time, CGM systems like FreeStyle Libre deliver a dynamic stream of data, revealing glucose trends and fluctuations. This constant flow of information equips users to proactively manage their condition, making timely adjustments to diet, activity, and medication to avoid dangerous glucose spikes and mitigate long-term diabetes complications. Sherri Shepherd emphasizes this empowerment, stating that knowing her glucose numbers gives her “the power to do what it takes” to maintain her health.
Despite the clear benefits, only a fraction of individuals with diabetes worldwide—a mere 1%—are leveraging CGM technology. This gap highlights a significant opportunity to enhance diabetes care through wider adoption of CGM systems. Abbott is actively addressing this disparity through initiatives like the Compassionate Care program, aiming to bridge the accessibility gap and bring the life-changing benefits of CGM to more people.
In a concerted effort to raise awareness about diabetes and the advantages of continuous glucose monitoring, Abbott launched a special campaign during November, coinciding with World Diabetes Day on November 14th. For every visit to their dedicated “Countdown at a Crossroads” webpage, Abbott pledged to donate 99 cents to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), with a total goal of $100,000. This initiative underscores the urgency to reach the “99%” of people with diabetes who are yet to experience the benefits of CGM technology. The 99-cent donation symbolizes the potential impact of reaching this underserved population.
The campaign spotlights three key aspects of Abbott’s commitment to diabetes care, represented by the “3-2-1” countdown:
3: FreeStyle Libre 3 System: As Abbott’s latest innovation in CGM technology, FreeStyle Libre 3 represents a significant leap forward. Approved for individuals aged four years and older, including pregnant women, it stands as the most accurate 14-day CGM available. Its minute-by-minute glucose readings are conveniently transmitted directly to a smartphone, providing users with continuous, real-time data. The sensor’s remarkably small size, comparable to two stacked pennies, enhances user comfort and discretion.
2: Free Trial Opportunity: Understanding the importance of firsthand experience, Abbott’s Compassionate Care program extends a free** two-week trial of a CGM sensor to eligible individuals who sign up for MyFreeStyle, Abbott’s comprehensive diabetes education and support program. This trial offers a valuable opportunity to experience daily life with a FreeStyle Libre CGM system, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about incorporating CGM into their diabetes management plan.
1: CGM Adoption Rate: The stark reality that only 1% of the global diabetes population currently uses CGM technology reiterates the urgent need for greater awareness and accessibility. Abbott’s initiatives, including the donation campaign and the broader Compassionate Care program, are designed to drive this change, empowering more individuals to take control of their diabetes through CGM technology.
Through the Abbott Compassionate Care program and the FreeStyle Libre portfolio, Abbott is actively working to transform diabetes management. By providing innovative technology, educational resources, and support initiatives, Abbott is committed to empowering individuals with diabetes to live healthier, fuller lives. The journey to better diabetes care is ongoing, and Abbott’s comprehensive approach, exemplified by the Compassionate Care program, is paving the way for a future where effective diabetes management is accessible to all.
For more information on Abbott’s initiatives and the FreeStyle Libre CGM systems, visit the Countdown at a Crossroads page.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this website should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary. Sherri Shepherd is a paid ambassador for FreeStyle Libre portfolio.
References
* Abbott will donate $0.99 to the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Health Equity Now (HEN) program for every unique visit to its Countdown at a Crossroads website (www.Crossroads.Abbott) from November 1–30, 2023, 11:59:59 PM ET, up to $100,000.
**Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is available for patients with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor. Patients ages 4-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor through their parent or guardian. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not available to beneficiaries of Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs, residents of Massachusetts, or US territories (other than Puerto Rico). The free (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor cannot be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third-party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.
