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Sensors

Transforming Diabetes Management with Sensor-Based Glucose Monitoring Systems

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tina Tilley's journey with type 2 diabetes is a testament to the power of sensor-based glucose monitoring systems. Diagnosed in May 2023, Tina's life was changed by the technology that allows her to track her glucose levels in real-time, making informed decisions about her health. "Getting my glucose levels sent straight to my phone in real-time was a game-changer," Tina said. Sensor-based systems empower Canadians like Tina to manage their condition with confidence and ease, thanks to Dr. Jeremy Gilbert, a Toronto-based endocrinologist, who has seen firsthand the improvements in patients' glucose levels with this technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sensor-based glucose monitoring systems measure interstitial fluid glucose levels, sending comprehensive data on how food, exercise, and medication affect a person's condition.
  • Tina Tilley, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in May 2023, credits sensor-based technology with improving her quality of life, saying it was a "game-changer" for her health management.
  • A recent Canadian study found that Abbott's FreeStyle Libre systems significantly improve average glucose levels and reduce hospital visits among people living with diabetes.
  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit program for residents managing diabetes with insulin and is supported by over 95% of private plans in Canada.
  • Tina Tilley encourages people to advocate for themselves and seek coverage for sensor-based glucose monitoring systems, which has been life-changing for her.
  • Dr. Jeremy Gilbert, a Toronto-based endocrinologist, has seen firsthand the benefits of sensor-based technology in improving patients' glucose levels and creating informed management plans.

Statistics:

  • 1.7 million Ontarians are diagnosed with diabetes, who could benefit from insights to enhance their quality of life (Diabetes Canada).
  • Abbott's FreeStyle Libre systems have been shown to significantly improve average glucose levels and reduce hospital visits among people living with diabetes (Ratzki-Leewing et al.).
  • Over 95% of private plans in Canada support the FreeStyle Libre 2 system (Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care).
  • The Ontario Drug Benefit program covers the FreeStyle Libre 2 system for Ontario residents managing diabetes with insulin (Government of Ontario).

Sources:

  • www.thestar.com
  • Fokkert M. BMJ Open Diab Res Care (2019): http://dx.doi.org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809.
  • Ratzki-Leewing et al. Diabetes Obes Metab (2025): doi:10.1111/dom.16266.
  • Diabetes Canada. Diabetes in Ontario. Accessed May 21, 2025, https://www.diabetes.ca/research-(1)/advocacy-reports/national-and-provincial-backgrounders/diabetes-in-ontario. ADC-113376 v2.0
  • Government of Ontario. Ontario Providing Access to Innovative Technology for Diabetes Care. Updated November 26, 2021. Accessed February 28, 2023, https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001234/ontario-providing-access-to-innovative-technology-for-diabetes-care.

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