Episode 39: Abbott FreeStyle Libre - Accuracy, Simplicity and What's Next

The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast

The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast
Episode 39: Abbott FreeStyle Libre - Accuracy, Simplicity and What's Next
Apr 27, 2026 Episode 39
John Pemberton

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Michael Skarlatos from Abbott UK Medical Affairs joins John Pemberton for the second manufacturer episode of the CGM Series. A former diabetes specialist dietitian at University Hospitals of Leicester, Michael brings real clinical experience to an honest breakdown of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and 3 Plus.

This episode covers:
- Why Abbott accuracy data qualifies these sensors for insulin dosing: ICGM approved, 20/20 performance ~95-96%, outside-40/40 error rate 0.2%
- What 70% smaller means in practice: form factor, stigma, and the all-in-one applicator on Libre 3 Plus
- Pump integrations now and the roadmap: CamAPS FX, Omnipod 5, and what is coming
- Libreview: why Abbott moved off Glooko and what population health management enables
- Libreview Pro in SystmOne and EMIS with SNOMED-coded CGM metrics
- A critical data nuance: glucose measured every minute on the patient app but recorded every 5 minutes in clinical downloads
- Continuous ketone monitoring: what Abbott has in development and who benefits most

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and CGM Series overview
00:57 Michaels background and Leicester NHS Trust
02:25 Moving from NHS to Abbott Medical Affairs
03:27 Accuracy credentials: ICGM approval and 20/20 performance
05:44 FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: size and form factor
09:25 Pump integrations: CamAPS FX, Omnipod 5, and the roadmap
10:19 ICGM interoperability: US vs CE marking in Europe
12:05 Fifteen-day wear period
12:28 Abbott market history: free samples and patient-led adoption
14:04 Simplicity of onboarding and multi-language support
16:58 Starter clinics: taking onboarding off the HCP
19:33 Libreview and population health management
23:21 EHR integration, SNOMED codes, and QOF implications
25:46 Practical tips: Bluetooth connectivity and the app cache
29:23 Minute-by-minute data vs five-minute trend recording
30:58 Low glucose event thresholds and hypo underreporting
31:42 Continuous ketone monitoring: what is coming from Abbott
37:52 CGM beyond type 1 and patient advocacy
40:17 Closing thoughts

LINKS
Show notes: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/episode-38-freestyle-libre-abbott/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/IW1sa5APHU8
CGM Series: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/10-13-cgm-series/
GNL Explorers: https://theglucoseneverli

Disclaimer

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for individualised care.

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Enquiries

Collaboration: John Pemberton — john@theglucoseneverlies.com

Creatives: Anjanee Kohli — anj@theglucoseneverlies.com

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Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

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