- βClinical trials and real-world studies show FreeStyle Libre helps people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes hit their glucose targets more safely β and new features are making it even more useful.
| Journal | Expert review of medical devices |
| Year | 2025 |
| Authors | Di Molfetta, Cutruzzolà, Gnasso |
| PMID | 40183806 |
| DOI | 10.1080/17434440.2025.2489494 |
What This Study Found
A 2025 review published in Expert Review of Medical Devices took a close look at the FreeStyle Libre (FSL) family of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Researchers analyzed clinical trials and real-world data from a wide range of people β including those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, teenagers, and pregnant women. Their conclusion: FSL systems are safe, effective, and genuinely useful tools for managing blood sugar.
This wasn't a single small study. It was a broad overview of the evidence built up over several years, which makes the findings more reliable than any one trial alone.
Why This Matters If You Have Diabetes
Checking your blood sugar with a traditional fingerstick gives you one snapshot in time. A CGM like FreeStyle Libre gives you a continuous picture β showing where your glucose is, where it's been, and where it's headed. That's a big deal.
Here's what the research highlights as genuinely helpful features:
- Trend arrows: You can see if your glucose is rising or falling fast, helping you make smarter decisions about food, activity, or insulin.
- Pattern recognition: The app and cloud platform can spot patterns you might miss β like glucose spikes every morning or dips after certain meals.
- Caregiver sharing: Family members or caregivers can follow glucose readings remotely, which is especially valuable for children or older adults.
- No routine fingersticks: FSL sensors are worn on the back of the upper arm and read with a quick scan or automatically (on newer models), reducing the daily burden of diabetes management.
Who It Works For
One of the stronger points in this review is how broad the evidence base is. FSL has been studied in:
- Adults with type 1 diabetes
- Adults with type 2 diabetes (both on insulin and not)
- Adolescents
- Pregnant women with diabetes
That matters because diabetes management looks very different across these groups. A tool that works well across all of them is genuinely versatile.
What's Coming Next
The review also highlights future features on the horizon β including ketone monitoring built into the sensor, integration with smartwatches and other wearables, and expanded use in telemedicine. These advances could make it even easier to manage diabetes from home while staying connected to your care team.
A Practical Note on Supplies
Getting the most out of a CGM system means having reliable access to sensors and compatible supplies. If you use FreeStyle Libre, MDS Diabetes carries CGM supplies and diabetes management products to help keep your routine on track. Browse what's available at mdsdiabetes.com.
The Bottom Line
FreeStyle Libre isn't just a gadget β the research backs it up as a meaningful tool for improving glucose control and making daily diabetes management less burdensome. If you haven't talked to your doctor about CGM yet, this review is one more reason to bring it up at your next visit.
Study citation: Di Molfetta, CutruzzolΓ , Gnasso (2025). An overview of the FreeStyle Libre monitoring system for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Expert Review of Medical Devices. PMID: 40183806. DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2025.2489494