Achieving Good Glycemic Control for People with Diabetes: The Role of Freestyle Libre and Time in Range

Diabetes management has come a long way from the days of finger pricks and manual glucose monitoring. Today, we have advanced technologies like the Freestyle Libre system that provide a comprehensive picture of glucose levels, enabling better glycemic control. One of the key metrics provided by this system is Time in Range (TIR), which is proving to be a game-changer in diabetes management. 

I introduced my parents who are living with diabetes to Freestyle libre and I am happy to see them live fully with diabetes. As a family, we sat down and discussed what the doctor had told us about the importance of Time In Range and here are our learnings:

Understanding Glucose Trends and Variability

Before we delve into TIR, it’s important to understand glucose trends and variability. Glucose levels in our body are not static; they fluctuate throughout the day based on various factors like food intake, physical activity, stress, and medication. These fluctuations form a pattern or trend, which can be tracked and analyzed for better diabetes management.

The Freestyle Libre system provides real-time glucose readings every minute, capturing up to 1,440 glucose points a day. It also provides an 8-hour glucose history and a trend arrow showing if your glucose is going up, down, or changing slowly. This wealth of data helps in understanding glucose variability, which is the frequency and extent of glucose fluctuations in a day. High glucose variability is often associated with a higher risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, which can lead to long-term complications.

The Importance of Time in Range

This is where Time in Range comes into the picture. TIR is the measure of time spent in the target glucose range, which is usually between 70-180 mg/dL for adults. Studies have shown that every extra hour in range has a positive impact on your glucose control. 

Achieving Good Glycemic Control with Freestyle Libre and TIR

So, how can you use this data to achieve good glycemic control? Here are a few strategies:

1. Monitor Regularly: Regular monitoring is key to understanding your glucose patterns and making necessary adjustments. The Freestyle Libre system makes this easy with its painless 1-second scans.
2. Aim for a Higher TIR: Try to spend more time in the target glucose range. 
3. Reduce Glucose Variability: Aim for more stable glucose levels throughout the day. This can be achieved by regular meals, consistent physical activity, and medication adjustments as needed.
4. Use the Data: The Freestyle Libre system provides a wealth of data. Use it to understand how different factors like food, exercise, and stress affect your glucose levels and make necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, achieving good glycemic control is a crucial aspect of diabetes management. With the Freestyle Libre system and the concept of Time in Range, it’s now easier than ever to understand your glucose patterns and take control of your diabetes. Remember, every step towards better glycemic control is a step towards a healthier future.

To know more about Continuous Glucose Monitoring, visit this website. 

You can buy Freestyle libre here. 

The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive/for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information. 

Any photos displayed are for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in such photos is a model.