- βFreeStyle Libre users gained 0.53 more quality-adjusted life years compared to finger-stick testing
- βThe cost of β¬15,181 per QALY is well below Dutch healthcare value thresholds of β¬20,000ββ¬80,000
- βSensor costs were partially offset by savings from fewer complications, emergency events, and missed workdays
- βOver 99% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of β¬40,000 per QALY
| Journal | Diabetes therapy : research, treatment and education of diabetes and related disorders |
| Year | 2026 |
| PMID | 41313426 |
What This Study Found
Researchers in the Netherlands examined whether FreeStyle Libre (FSL) continuous glucose monitoring sensors are worth the cost compared to traditional finger-stick blood sugar testing for people with type 2 diabetes who use basal insulin.
Why This Matters
In the Netherlands, glucose sensors are currently not covered by insurance for type 2 diabetes patients who only use basal insulin β even though guidelines recommend them. This study aimed to find out if covering these devices would be a smart use of healthcare money.
How the Study Worked
Scientists used a computer model called DEDUCE to simulate thousands of patient journeys over many years. They compared two groups:
- Group 1: Used FreeStyle Libre sensors
- Group 2: Used traditional finger-stick testing
The model tracked diabetes complications, dangerous blood sugar episodes (highs and lows), days missed from work, and overall quality of life.
Key Results
Patients using FreeStyle Libre gained 0.53 extra quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) β a measure combining how long and how well you live. The sensors cost about β¬8,021 more over a lifetime, giving a cost of roughly β¬15,181 per QALY gained.
In the Netherlands, treatments costing under β¬20,000ββ¬80,000 per QALY are generally considered good value. FSL came in well below these thresholds in nearly every scenario tested.
Where the Savings Come From
While the sensors themselves cost more (about β¬19,738 extra), those costs were partially offset by:
- Fewer hospital visits for dangerous low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Fewer long-term complications like kidney disease and heart problems
- Fewer sick days missed from work
Bottom Line for Patients
This research suggests that expanding insurance coverage of FreeStyle Libre sensors to type 2 diabetes patients on basal insulin in the Netherlands would be a cost-effective decision β improving patients' lives while representing reasonable value for the healthcare system.