- βFreeStyle Libre 2 may help people with poorly controlled T1D achieve better blood sugar levels without constant finger-prick testing
- βThe trial also measures mental wellbeing and quality of life, recognising that emotional health matters as much as glucose numbers
- βResults will provide strong clinical evidence to help doctors and patients choose the right glucose monitoring approach
| Journal | BMJ open |
| Year | 2021 |
| Authors | Wilmot, Evans, Barnard-Kelly |
| PMID | 34261691 |
What Was Studied and Why It Matters
Managing blood sugar in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is genuinely hard. Even with the best intentions, keeping glucose levels in a healthy range is a daily challenge β and for many people, traditional finger-prick testing just isn't giving them the full picture they need.
This UK clinical trial, called FLASH-UK, was designed to find out whether the FreeStyle Libre 2 (FSL2) β a flash glucose monitoring device that scans glucose levels through a small sensor worn on the arm β does a better job than standard finger-prick blood glucose testing for people whose T1D is not well controlled.
How the Study Works
Researchers recruited 180 people aged 16 and older with Type 1 diabetes for more than one year, all of whom had an HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar over roughly three months) between 7.5% and 11% β indicating their glucose levels were not at target.
Participants were randomly split into two groups:
- Intervention group: Used the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor for 24 weeks
- Control group: Continued with standard finger-prick blood glucose testing for 24 weeks
The study took place across eight NHS centres in the UK. Both groups were checked in at 4, 12, and 24 weeks, with HbA1c measured at the start, middle, and end of the trial as the main measure of success. Researchers also tracked mental wellbeing, quality of life, insulin doses, and any side effects or adverse events.
What This Means for Real Patients
Flash glucose monitors like the FreeStyle Libre 2 work differently from finger-prick testing. Instead of checking your blood sugar a handful of times per day, the sensor reads your glucose levels continuously β giving you a fuller picture of how your levels rise and fall throughout the day and night. You can scan the sensor with a reader or smartphone rather than pricking your finger each time.
For people who struggle to reach their glucose targets, having more data more easily could make a real difference in day-to-day decisions β like adjusting food, activity, or insulin. The trial also looked at whether using FSL2 reduced diabetes distress, since constantly managing blood sugar can take a significant emotional toll.
If you currently use the FreeStyle Libre 2 or are considering it, having reliable supplies on hand is essential. MDS Diabetes stocks FreeStyle Libre sensors and a wide range of diabetes monitoring supplies, making it easier to maintain your routine without interruption.
Bottom Line
The FLASH-UK trial is one of the first rigorous clinical studies to directly compare the FreeStyle Libre 2 with traditional finger-prick testing in people with suboptimally controlled Type 1 diabetes. The results β when published β will help doctors and patients make more informed choices about glucose monitoring. Early evidence from real-world use suggests flash monitoring can improve both glucose control and quality of life, and this trial aims to confirm that with solid scientific data.
If your HbA1c isn't where you'd like it to be, it's worth speaking to your diabetes care team about whether flash glucose monitoring could help you.