How Smarter Tracking Can Lead to Healthier Living

The Abbott Edge newsletter has the latest on life-changing health technology and innovations, and tips for living a full life. In this month’s edition, we explore the link between diabetes and heart health, and how one device can help on both fronts.

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Chronic diseases aren’t things you can “catch.” These noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs, usually last longer than a year and require long-term medical treatment.

Some of the most common forms of chronic diseases? Heart disease and diabetes. And the two are strongly linked: People living with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease. (1)

While the heart-related complications associated with Type 2 diabetes are more well-known, there’s low awareness about the implication for people living with Type 1 diabetes. A staggering statistic: Those who have had serious low blood sugar episodes are twice as likely to be hospitalized for heart-related issues. (2)

But managing the potential complications of diabetes really starts with managing diabetes itself. That’s where Abbott’s Libre FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) thrive.

Our Libre technology has long provided real-time glucose data to help its users make informed decisions about their activities, diet and medications, ultimately helping them live their best, healthiest lives.

Now, taking health a step further, new findings demonstrate Libre technology’s ability to fight two health battles with one CGM — the first CGM linked to reduced cardiovascular disease-related hospitalization for adults with diabetes. (3,4) Read on to learn more.

1.        Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/diabetes-and-heart-disease

2.     Amiel, SA, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2019): https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(18)30315-2/abstract

3.     Nathanson,D., Diabetologia (2024): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-024-06289-z

4.     Olofsson, K., Diabetologia (2025): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-025-06438-y

HEALTH TECH PULSE

Facts and figures to know in the world of Abbott and health tech.

• Most people think heart disease is an “old-person thing.” But your risk of developing cardiovascular disease goes up at age 40. That said, it is highest after age 70. (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
• People living with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease. (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
• New findings suggest that the use of our Libre technology is linked to reduced cardiovascular disease-related hospitalizations in adults living with Type 1 diabetes by 78% and associated with reduced hospitalizations for those with Type 2 diabetes on insulin. (Diabetologia)
• In the U.S. alone, six out of 10 people are living with at least one chronic disease and four out of 10 people have two or more chronic diseases. (CDC) The most common forms of NCDs include heart disease, diabetes and cancer. (WHO)

HACK YOUR HEALTH

Tips to help you live your life fully.

If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, here’s what to know to protect your heart health. Hint: preventive health is key.

Start with learning your risk — and your ABCs. It’s important to make time to connect with your healthcare provider each year, especially to check in about your ABCs (5):

• Get an A1C test, which is a simple blood test that measures your average blood glucose levels over the past three months. Your doctor can help define a target range for you.
• Have your blood pressure checked.
• Check your cholesterol levels to ensure they’re not too high.
• Talk about any smoking habits that can impact your risk level.

5. CDC – Diabetes and your heart, accessed April 2025 from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-heart.html

These materials are not intended to replace your doctor's advice or information. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding the medical procedures, devices and/or your personal health, please discuss these with your physician.

For U.S. residents, please visit Freestylelibre.us for important safety information.

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