Abbott's glucose monitor OK'd for Medicare

ABBOTT PARK - Abbott Tuesday said its newest continuous glucose monitoring system is now available to Medicare patients.

The company said its next-generation FreeStyle Libre 2 glucose monitoring system has met the guidelines used for coverage by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. FreeStyle Libre 2 is now accessible to all Medicare patients with diabetes who meet the eligibility criteria.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system includes a sensor that is worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days, measuring glucose every minute. With a one-second scan using a handheld reader, the system provides users with a real-time glucose reading, trend arrow and eight-hour history to help them and their health care providers make more informed treatment decisions.