No part of diabetes "fingersticks" is enjoyable. Not the "‘finger" part. Certainly not the "stick" part.
But for many people living with diabetes, it's a very real, often inescapable reality of their daily lives.
It's doesn't have to be that way, not for people managing their condition with Abbott's FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system.
It was true for Courtney Duckworth, diagnosed with diabetes during childhood.
"When I was first diagnosed you would definitely know I was diabetic by looking at my fingertips because they were raised. There were all of these, you know, brown bumps and scabs on them," Courtney said. "Before the FreeStyle Libre, I have to stop to test my blood sugar. That would take up a lot of time."
Courtney not only doesn’t stop frequently anymore, she's isn't even really slowed making sure she's maintaining healthy glucose levels. Not with a simple swipe over her sensor tucked away on the back of her upper arm. That's especially true when she's working out and running marathons, balancing her body's exercise and glucose demands.
"We really wanted to transform that reality, reinvent daily glucose monitoring and provide a seamless and painless option," said Udo Hoss, Director Sensor Chemistry Business Development. "Simply scanning the small sensor provides real-time glucose data" and potential signs of low glucose.
And with FDA approval, FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensors in the U.S. now last two weeks between changes with high accuracy. It's the epitome of life-changing technology.
"I can do everything better with technology," Courtney added*.
*Individual symptoms vary between patients
