There Has to Be a Better Way

After years of managing her condition — with adjustments in prescriptions and dosages over time — she noticed some changes.

Armed with a healthy appreciation for self-care and an eye for detail, Smith carefully compiled her glucose numbers through multiple fingersticks daily, a process she recognized as both necessary and kind of awful.

“When I’d go for my labs, I started having troubles with my A1c. It had been about 5.6, then elevated to 6.5 and then up to 7.6 (normal being less than 5.7; the goal for those with diabetes is less than 6.5). I was doing finger-sticks three to four times a day because I wanted to be as careful as I could. This was a problem because my hands were getting leathery from all that sticking.”

Then a light came on. From the television.

The Benefits of Late-Night TV

“A commercial came on for FreeStyle Libre 2,” Smith said. “I asked my doctor if I could get this monitor, which would reduce the sticks and give me an ongoing understanding of my numbers throughout the day.

“Instead, she told me I could use a pen that would take my readings twice a day. But I like knowing what is happening in my body, knowing what and when I can eat, what was going on before I ate. That was my biggest concern.

“So, I changed doctors.”

In June 2022, Smith and her new physician agreed on the FreeStyle Libre 2, and she never looked back.

“Within a week, I could tell the difference,” Smith said. “Before FreeStyle Libre 2, if my sugar dropped extremely low and I was out doing something, I would only know when I got sweaty or couldn’t stand. But now the monitor alerts me before that happens.”

And nighttime became the right time once her sensor was in place.

“I am a heavy sleeper. Everyone around me knows it,” Smith said. “I was concerned about going to sleep and not waking up if my numbers dropped a lot. Most people would wake because of what is happening to their bodies, but I might sleep right through it. Getting alerts at night so I would wake up and do what I needed to do was a huge plus for me.”

Can’t Slow Down

Smith keeps so busy that she doesn’t have much extra time to look back. But when she can, she sees parents whose legacies she’s honored, as well as children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild who have earned impressive educations, started their own businesses and more.

She has made things possible for others and they, in turn, reflect those accomplishments back.

There is still so much to do. “When I get to be 101, I’m going to be busy — and if you can’t keep up, I’m going to have to leave you behind.”

Brenda Smith isn’t looking for anyone to take care of her, but she certainly doesn’t mind Nadia or FreeStyle Libre 2 helping when they can.

The testimonial presented reflects the real-life experience of someone that has chosen to use an Abbott product and is only applicable to the individual providing the testimonial. It may not be indicative of future outcomes for prospective patients. Abbott does not claim that these are typical responses or experiences that a patient will generally encounter. In the case you are experiencing any of the symptoms noted within please consult your healthcare provider before making any diagnostic, treatment, or other medical decisions.