FDA-Approved over-the-counter Libre Rio

About Libre Rio: 

Ages 18 and over who do not use insulin are the target market for the over-the-counter integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) gadget called Libre Rio. You run the risk of missing a severe low or high glucose incident if you don’t use Libre Rio according to the label instructions. When making treatment decisions, consider the fingerstick value obtained from a blood glucose meter if readings do not correspond with symptoms or expectations. 

FDA Approved Libre Rio: 

Abbott launched an innovative device called Libre Rio, a CGM for persons with Type 2 diabetes who do not apply insulin. The Abbott Libre Rio is FDA-approved to be used in persons with type 2 diabetes who are at a minimum of 18 years old. Adults who control their diabetes by lifestyle changes and do not take insulin are the target market for the over-the-counter CGM. Although Abbott kept the research under wraps, it is now prepared to take on Dexcom, which was approved in March as the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor for diabetics who do not use insulin.

First over-the-counter CGM: 

According to Abbott, Rio is the first over-the-counter CGM with a measuring range of 40 to 400 mg/dL that enables the monitoring of exceptionally high or low glucose episodes. Libre Rio will become a part of Abbott’s larger Libre line of CGM devices, which are now utilized by over 60 million individuals worldwide2. The Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle Libre 3 systems are part of the Libre group in the United States and are proposed for individuals with Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. 

Lisa Earnhardt, group president of Abbott’s medical devices division, said in a report that “there is no one-size-fits-all method for glucose monitoring, which is why we’ve intended distinctive products for diverse people — all built on the similar world-leading bio wearable technology.” “Some elements are essential for people with diabetes, such as data exchange with healthcare providers or prescription tracking. To maintain their metabolic health, those without diabetes require various elements, such as individualized coaching to encourage practical lifestyle modifications.

Prescriptions are needed for Freestyle Libre systems, and the majority of major U.S. insurance cover them too. Libre Rio may facilitate the use of a CGM by Americans with diabetes and help them track their progress toward health objectives. It also provides them with info to share with their health care doctor when they next officially visit them. 

Components of Libre Rio: 

Based on the Abbott Freestyle Libre CGM, the system contains a biosensor that is worn on the back of the arm for a maximum of 15 days, and a reader or well-matched smartphone app that shows the user’s blood glucose levels. The Libre Rio has an amount range of 40 mg/dL to 400 mg/dL, allowing for the measurement of very high or low glucose levels. 

Conclusion: 

Diabetes is amongst the highest public health challenges in the U.S., with almost 38.4 million people living with the disorder. Freestyle Libre systems have been accessible over the counter in more than 50 countries over the previous decade; but, in the U.S., they have only been accessible through prescription. 

Libre Rio may make it easier for Americans with diabetes to try a CGM and start to see advancement in their health goals, allowing them with info to confer with their healthcare provider at their succeeding visit.