FreeStyle Libre System FAQs

The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is designed to change how people with diabetes measure their glucose levels and ultimately help them achieve better health outcomes. It is a revolutionary product for the UK diabetes community with strong support across patient groups, healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders. 

Two clinical trials ^i,ii and real‐world evidence from more than 50,000 usersⁱⁱⁱ show that people who use the FreeStyle Libre system scan their glucose levels an average of at least 15 times per day. In real‐world use, higher rates of scanning to self‐monitor glucose were found to be strongly associated with improved glucose measures, including decreased time in hypoglycaemia (low glucose levels) and hyperglycaemia (high glucose levels) and reduced estimated HbA1c.

^{i Bolinder J, Antuna R, Geelhoed‐Duijvestijn P, Kroger J, Weitgasser R. Novel glucose‐sensing technology and hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes: a multicentre, non‐masked, randomised controlled trial [published online September 12, 2016]. Lancet. 2016;}

^{ii Haak T, Hanaire H, Ajjan R et al. Flash glucose‐sensing technology as a replacement for blood glucose monitoring for the management of insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes: a multicenter, open‐label randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Ther. 2017; 8: 55‐73}

^{iii Dunn, T., Xu, Y., & Hayter, G. (2017). Evidence of a Strong Association Between Frequency of Flash Glucose Monitoring and Glucose Control Measures During Real‐World Usage. Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, 19(S1). Doi: 10.1D89/dia.2017.2525.abstracts} 

The FreeStyle Libre system has been reimbursed, as of the 3rd of April 2018, for some patients aged between 4 and 21 years.

^Eligibility Criteria:

1. Type 1 Diabetes

2. Children and young adults aged 4 - 21 years

3. Patients using multiple daily injections of insulin or insulin pump therapy

4. Patients who have increased blood glucose testing requirements (≥8 times daily)

5. Frequent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycaemia which have included hospital admissions

6. Patient is not pregnant.

The FreeStyle Libre system can safely and successfully replace routine self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)^v in diabetes patients using Multiple daily injection (MDI) or Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusions (CSII).

We are working with local health economies to ensure that those intensively using insulin are given access to this innovative technology in a responsible and timely manner.

^{V. A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the System or when symptoms do not match the System readings.}

Our reimbursement announcement means that the FreeStyle Libre system will be available for reimbursement via the NHS for intensive insulin‐using people with diabetes, subject to local health economy approval, from the 1st November 2017. We are in the process of implementing a multi‐channel education and support programme for both patients and clinicians (including local health economies) to ensure that the UK diabetes community is able to benefit from this reimbursement decision in the most responsible way possible.

The first point of contact for patients should be their relevant healthcare professional. They will be able to talk through how reimbursement affects patients, and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

We are in direct communication with local health economies to ensure that those intensively using insulin are given access to this innovative technology in the months and years ahead. Patients are of course able to continue purchasing the FreeStyle Libre system online in the interim period.

We have a multi‐channel education and support programme for both patients and clinicians to ensure that the UK and Ireland diabetes community is able to benefit from this reimbursement decision in the most responsible way possible.

We are in direct communication with CCGs and the wider healthcare economy to ensure that those intensively using insulin are given access to this innovative technology in the months and years ahead.

There is a potential economic case for NHS reimbursement of the FreeStyle Libre system. These points have been identified in the NICE MIB110 (Medtech Innovation Briefing), published on 01 July 2017, with comments on the technology from clinical experts working in the field.

What our announcement means is that the FreeStyle Libre system will be available for reimbursement via the NHS for people with diabetes, subject to local health economy approval. The first point of contact for patients should be their relevant healthcare professional. They will be able to talk through how today’s announcement affects patients, and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) requires all drivers to monitor their glucose levels.

In February 2019, the DVLA updated their regulations to include Group 1 drivers to use Flash Glucose Monitoring systems for the purposes of driving. Drivers must not actively use their glucose monitoring system whilst driving a vehicle, instead they must pull over in a safe location before checking their device. Drivers using the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring system must get a confirmatory finger prick glucose level in the following circumstances:

• If their glucose level is 4.0mmol/L or below.
• If they have symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
• If their glucose monitoring system gives a reading that is not consistent with their symptoms.
• If they are aware that they have become hypoglycaemic or have indication of impending hypoglycaemia.
• During times of rapidly changing glucose levels

Group 2 drivers must continue to use finger prick testing for the purposes of driving. Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are not legally permitted for the purposes of Group 2 driving. 

For the most up to date requirements you can visit the website.

Our reimbursement announcement means the FreeStyle Libre system is available for reimbursement via the NHS for intensive insulin‐using people with diabetes, subject to local health economy approval. If you provide a patient with a FP10 prescription they are able to redeem from any pharmacy who will either have stock of FreeStyle Libre sensors or be able to order for delivery to store.

If you have a faulty FreeStyle Libre reader, please contact our dedicated Healthcare Professional Customer Services team on 0800 032 1016. If you need additional FreeStyle Libre readers and/or FreeStyle Libre system starter packs, please contact your territory manager.

If the patient is suitable for the FreeStyle Libre system, FreeStyle Libre readers can be accessed free of charge from their healthcare professional.

The PIP code is 405-9028. The PIP code will also be published in Chemist + Druggist (C+D).

The FreeStyle Libre sensors are only available from Abbott via the portal http://www.freestylediabetes.co.uk/pharmacy

The process of ordering the FreeStyle Libre sensors into the pharmacy may take up to 24 hours.

Orders will be delivered between 8am - 6pm on the next working day (there are exceptions which include outside Belfast in NI).

Orders received by 5:30pm will be delivered on the next working day.

Orders placed on a Friday will be delivered on the Monday between 8am and 6pm.

Next day delivery is available for most areas in the U.K. and NI, however you will be sent a unique tracking number where you can check the progress of your orders.

This service is not possible. Delivery will be between 8am and 6pm on weekdays.

There is no charge for standard delivery from Abbott.

UPS will try and redeliver up to 3 times to the pharmacy.

Yes, from a person who is authorised to accept pharmacy deliveries.

Please visit: http://www.freestylediabetes.co.uk/pharmacy and select the 'Contact Us' tab.

All faulty good investigations are handled directly by Abbott. Please contact our dedicated Healthcare Professional Customer Services team on 0800 032 1016 (Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm excluding Bank Holidays).

FreeStyle Libre sensors can be purchased directly from Abbott. Please visit http://www.freestylediabetes.co.uk/pharmacy. The first step is registering with us to open an account. Once your account is open you will receive an email. This can take up to 24 hours. You are then able to place an order for sensors via the same portal.

If you are part of a pharmacy chain, we have been working with your head office to pre-register you with an account. We have supplied them with your username and password which they should be able to share with you.

If you are an independent pharmacy, please register for an account at: http://www.freestylediabetes.co.uk/pharmacy. Your account should be activated within 24 hours and you will receive an email notification that your account has been approved.

Once you have an account, you can place your order straight away.

In the vast majority of cases, stock will be delivered within 24 hours to the pharmacy, or the pharmacy counter within a store. The stock needs to be signed off by a pharmacy employee.

You will be provided with a tracking number from our partner UPS for each parcel. You can track using the information and links contained in the notification you receive via UPS.

You will be invoiced for payment via email. Payment is due within 30 days of the end of the month. You can pay via direct debit or BACs.

We strongly recommend that you check with your local guidance as to whether the FreeStyle Libre system has been approved for use in your area.

We are in the process of implementing a multi‐channel education and support programme for local health economies (and patients and clinicians) to ensure that the UK diabetes community is able to benefit from this reimbursement decision in the most responsible way possible.
We are in direct communication with LHEs and the wider healthcare economy to ensure that those intensively using insulin are given access to this innovative technology in the months and years ahead.

We have spent a significant amount of time planning for any consequent increase in patient demand. We have, for example, deployed additional customer services representatives to help deal with inbound enquiries over the coming months.

Our clinical trial data and our application for reimbursement have focused on patients who intensively use insulin, Type 1 or Type 2.

We have a multi‐channel education and support programme for local health economies (and patients and clinicians) to ensure that the UK diabetes community is able to benefit from this reimbursement decision in the most responsible way possible.