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Since June 13, the FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitoring device is now reimbursed for patients treated with insulin, whether their diabetes is type 1 or type 2. A decision that should make life easier for many patients.
This is excellent news for people with diabetes which was announced on June 13th. Following the opinion of the High Authority for Health of October 18, 2022the French health authorities have agreed to the extension of the reimbursement of FreeStyle Libre 2 for patients with unbalanced type 2 diabetes i.e. “receiving non-intensified insulin treatment“.
The Freestyle Libre 2 to liberate all diabetic patients
The Freestyle Libre system is a minimally invasive sensor that reads the blood sugar in the interstitial fluid and thus replaces the prick of the fingertip with a scan, and measurements directly on your smartphone screen. This method truly changes the daily life of people with diabetes. However, not all patients with diabetes 2 were previously concerned by the reimbursement of this device.
Today, people living with type 2 diabetes (at least 4 years old) on non-intensified insulin (< 3 insulin injections per day) and whose glycemic control is insufficient (HbA1c ≥ 8%) are also affected. This new indication is accompanied, moreover, by a change in the terms of prescription since the initial prescription can now be made by a general practitioner.
FreeStyle Libre 2 is already reimbursed for all people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes treated with intensified insulin therapy (more than 3 injections per day) or wearing a pump, as part of the management of their diabetes. But today it is the first continuous glucose measurement device to be reimbursed in France for unbalanced type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin.
Excellent news, but which requires support
The advantage of this sensor now accessible to all? The fact of having an instantaneous vision of what is happening in your body in real time.
For Mr. Gérard Raymond, President of the French Federation of Diabetics contacted by Doctissimo, this announcement is excellent news. “It is a decision that contributes to changing the involvement of diabetic patients in their treatment and their own understanding of their disease. Fingertip blood glucose tests only give a flash result, without giving a reason. With this sensor all the history is displayed, it is much more understandable. This allows us to better understand the disease and to be more involved in its treatment..
Beyond the announcement, support is necessary according to the expert: “Behind this idyllic picture, precautions are necessary: we are now on interstitial and no longer blood glucose levels, so there may be differences that need to be understood. It is also necessary to set up a support program. These tools modify a good number of criteria in the patient’s care pathway and the link that must be created with health professionals” does he mention
The decision also mentions:Before long-term prescription, a trial period lasting from one month to 3 months for any candidate patient for the FREESTYLE LIBRE 2 system should make it possible to select patients capable of using and wearing the sensor. For patients who are not autonomous for whatever reason (age, cognitive state, etc.), the sensor can be used by the close entourage (parents or carers) or nursing professionals”.
It is all these changes that will allow people with diabetes to feel more free.