Landmark study shows Libre technology helps people with Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin improve glucose management

Rhea-AI Summary

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) reported results from the FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial showing that people with Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin using FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) achieved better glucose control versus fingersticks at four months.

Key findings: HbA1c fell 0.6% (p<0.001) and participants spent ~2.5 more hours/day in the 70–180 mg/dL healthy range (a 10.4% increase). An Italian interventional study of 88 people showed similar benefits at three months.

Positive

• HbA1c reduction of 0.6% at four months
• Time-in-range increased ~10.4% (~2.5 hours/day)
• Independent Italian study confirmed improved average glucose and QoL

Negative

• Many people on basal insulin lack CGM reimbursement in Europe and other regions
• Clinical data limited to short-term follow-up (4 months in FreeDM2, 3 months in Italy)

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News Market Reaction – ABT

In the Mar 12 session, ABT declined 1.91%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

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Market Context

This announcement highlights randomized FreeDM2 data and an Italian study showing that Abbott’s Libr...

Analysis

This announcement highlights randomized FreeDM2 data and an Italian study showing that Abbott’s Libre CGM delivered a 0.6% greater HbA1c reduction and 2.5 extra hours per day in range for basal insulin users versus fingersticks. These results build on Abbott’s recent cadence of favorable clinical updates and broaden CGM’s evidence base in Type 2 diabetes. Investors may watch for future data, reimbursement decisions, and uptake trends that could influence the franchise’s long-term trajectory.

Key Figures

HbA1c reduction difference: 0.6% Extra time in range: 2.5 hours/day (10.4% increase) FreeDM2 participants: 303 participants +5 more

HbA1c reduction difference

0.6%

Additional reduction at 4 months with Libre vs fingersticks in FreeDM2 RCT

Extra time in range

2.5 hours/day (10.4% increase)

Additional time 70–180 mg/dL at 4 months with Libre vs fingersticks

FreeDM2 participants

303 participants

Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin across 24 U.K. clinical sites

FreeDM2 sites

24 clinical sites

Locations in the U.K. for FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial

HbA1c p-value

p<0.001

Statistical significance of 0.6% HbA1c reduction difference in FreeDM2

Italian study participants

88 adults

Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin using Libre in Italian interventional study

Insulin users worldwide

63 million people

Estimated global count of people using insulin for Type 2 diabetes

Annual diabetes healthcare costs

$217 billion

Estimated yearly costs linked to diabetes care shortfalls

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 05

5 events

1. Mar 05

   Litigation update

   24h Move

   -1.8%

   Multidistrict litigation scheduling related to NEC cases against another company.

2. Feb 20

   Acquisition approval

   24h Move

   +2.7%

   Exact Sciences holders approve Abbott cash acquisition terms.

3. Feb 20

   Dividend declaration

   24h Move

   +0.0%

   409th consecutive quarterly dividend and 54-year dividend increase streak.

4. Feb 06

   Clinical data

   24h Move

   +1.6%

   Strong safety and efficacy data for Volt PFA and TactiFlex Duo catheters.

5. Jan 22

   Earnings and outlook

   24h Move

   -10.0%

   4Q25 and FY25 growth plus upbeat 2026 guidance and device approvals.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

randomized controlled trial, hba1c, continuous glucose monitoring, self‑monitoring of blood glucose, +3 more

7 terms

randomized controlled trial medical

"U.K. FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial: At four months, people using..."

A randomized controlled trial is a research method that tests the effects of a new idea or treatment by randomly dividing participants into two groups: one that receives the treatment and one that does not. This approach helps ensure that the results are fair and unbiased, providing clear evidence about whether the treatment actually works. Investors value such trials because they offer reliable information that can influence decision-making and reduce uncertainty.

hba1c medical

"had a 0.6% greater reduction in HbA1c and 2.5 more hours a day..."

A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures how much sugar has stuck to red blood cells over the past two to three months, giving a single number that reflects average blood glucose control—think of it as a running average score for blood sugar. Investors watch A1c because it’s a common clinical measure used to judge whether diabetes drugs, devices or care programs work, influence regulatory approvals, treatment guidelines and market demand.

continuous glucose monitoring medical

"FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology had better..."

Continuous glucose monitoring is a system that tracks blood sugar levels in real-time throughout the day and night. It provides constant updates, similar to a car's dashboard showing speed and fuel level at all times. For investors, advancements in this technology can signal progress in health monitoring devices, which may influence the growth and valuation of companies in the healthcare sector.

self‑monitoring of blood glucose medical

"compared the effectiveness of CGM with traditional self‑monitoring of blood glucose..."

Self‑monitoring of blood glucose is the routine practice where people with diabetes check their blood sugar levels using portable meters, test strips, or wearable continuous monitors to guide daily treatment and lifestyle choices. Like a car’s dashboard showing fuel levels, these readings help patients and clinicians adjust medication or diet; for investors, this creates ongoing demand for devices, supplies, data services and is sensitive to product innovation, insurance coverage and regulation.

sglt2 inhibitor medical

"Participants were on basal insulin with either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP‑1..."

A SGLT2 inhibitor is a type of prescription drug that helps the kidneys remove excess sugar from the blood by blocking a specific transporter, so more glucose leaves the body in urine. Think of it like opening a controlled drain to lower blood sugar. Investors pay attention because clinical benefits, regulatory approvals, safety issues, patent life and competition directly affect sales, pricing and long-term market value for companies in this class.

glp‑1 receptor agonist medical

"either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP‑1 receptor agonist, indicating meaningful benefit..."

A GLP‑1 receptor agonist is a type of medication that mimics a natural gut hormone to help control blood sugar and reduce appetite; think of it as a key that fits a specific lock to boost insulin release when needed and slow digestion. Investors watch these drugs because they can treat large markets like diabetes and obesity, drive significant sales or pipeline value, and carry regulatory, safety and reimbursement risks that affect company valuations.

basal insulin medical

"Type 2 diabetes using basal insulin.8Significant improvements through self-management"

A long-acting form of insulin that people with diabetes use to keep blood sugar steady throughout the day and night, acting like a slow-release background dose rather than a quick corrective shot after meals. Investors care because basal insulin represents a large, recurring-market product category with predictable demand, pricing and patent competition; changes in treatment guidelines, new delivery methods or patent expiries can materially affect a company’s sales and future growth.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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• U.K. FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial: At four months, people using Libre technology had a 0.6% greater reduction in HbA1c and 2.5 more hours a day in the healthy range vs. fingersticks ^1,2
• Improvements were participant-led, using real-time glucose readings to guide everyday decisions
• Complementary Italian study reported similar improvements, reinforcing the value of Libre technology for this population³

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT), a global healthcare leader, today announced results from the FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial (RCT) showing that people using FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology had better glucose outcomes than those using traditional fingersticks. Improvements were achieved through participant-led self-management, guided by real-time CGM insights. Findings were presented at the 19th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD).

About 63 million people worldwide rely on insulin to manage Type 2 diabetes⁴, but real-world studies show only 18%–30% of those using basal insulin are reaching their HbA1c goals.^5,6 This gap  contributes to an estimated $217 billion in annual diabetes healthcare costs, indicating millions of people still need support to reach healthy glucose ranges.⁷ The FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial was designed to determine whether real-time continuous glucose monitoring can help people using basal insulin improve their glucose management.

Conducted across 24 clinical sites in the U.K. and involving 303 participants, the study compared the effectiveness of CGM with traditional self‑monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in people with Type 2 diabetes using basal insulin.⁸

Significant improvements through self-management
At four months, participants using an Abbott FreeStyle Libre system for continuous glucose monitoring had a significantly greater reduction in HbA1c (0.6%; p<0.001)¹ than the group using traditional finger sticks. They also spent about 2.5 more hours a day (10.4% increase)² in a healthy glucose range (70–180 mg/dL). Participants were on basal insulin with either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP‑1 receptor agonist, indicating meaningful benefit even among people already on advanced glucose-lowering therapies.

"This study demonstrates the power of real-time glucose information for people with Type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin," said Emma Wilmot, MBChB, BSc (Hons), PhD, FRCP, associate professor of diabetes and endocrinology at the University of Nottingham School of Medicine in Nottingham, U.K. and co-lead investigator of the FreeDM2 study.

"Even when people with Type 2 diabetes are already receiving advanced therapies, such as SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP‑1 receptor agonists, adding real‑time glucose visibility delivered meaningful improvements. People were able to proactively use the insights CGM provided to adjust their diet, basal insulin and activity to deliver better outcomes," added Lala Leelarathna, MBBS, MSc, PhD, FRCP, associate professor of metabolic medicine at Imperial College London in London, U.K. and co-lead investigator of the FreeDM2 study.

Italian study confirms FreeDM2 findings
A separate interventional study from Italy, also being presented at ATTD, followed 88 adults with Type 2 diabetes using basal insulin in everyday clinical practice with an Abbott FreeStyle Libre system. After 3 months, participants had better average glucose levels, more time in a healthy glucose range, and improved quality of life.³

"Across both studies, real‑time glucose visibility gives people the understanding they need to make small, informed adjustments throughout the day," said Mahmood Kazemi, chief medical officer for Abbott's diabetes care business. "In the FreeDM2 study, people made these adjustments on their own. Seeing similar patterns in the Italian study reinforces that the value comes from continuous access to glucose information itself, rather than from any single device feature."

Supporting broader access to CGM 
Currently, across Europe and many other regions, CGM reimbursement often focuses on people using multiple daily insulin injections, leaving many on basal insulin without coverage. The evidence from FreeDM2 and Italian studies demonstrates that people with Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin therapy can achieve clinically meaningful improvements through continuous glucose monitoring technology, strengthening the case for broader reimbursement of CGM for this population.

About Libre:
Abbott continues to pioneer groundbreaking technology to support people living with diabetes. The company revolutionized diabetes care more than 10 years ago with its world-leading Libre continuous glucose monitoring portfolio⁹, which today is used by approximately 8 million people across more than 60 countries.¹⁰ People use Libre technology to see their glucose numbers in real-time, providing insights into how food, activity, or insulin impacts their glucose to help them make progress on their health goals. There is full or partial reimbursement for Libre systems in more than 40 countries.¹⁰

About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

Important Safety Information: Product for prescription only, for Important Safety Information, please visit https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/safety-information.html.

¹ Wilmot  et al. Efficacy of FreeStyle Libre 3 on HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetes   Treated with Basal Insulin plus SGLT-2 Inhibitor and/or GLP-1 Agonist: the   FreeDM2 Study. Abstract at ATTD conference, 11-14 March 2026, Barcelona, Spain. 
² Leelarathna  et al. Impact  of  FreeStyle Libre 3 on  Sensor-Based Outcomes in Type 2   Diabetes Treated with Basal Insulin plus SGLT-2 Inhibitor and/or GLP-1   Agonist: The FreeDM2 Study. Abstract at ATTD conference, 11-14 March 2026, Barcelona, Spain.
³ Giorgino et al. Effectiveness of FreeStyle Libre 2 on glycaemia in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes using basal-only insulin in Italy. Abstract at ATTD conference, 11-14 March 2026, Barcelona, Spain.
⁴ Estimates for People Requiring Insulin - Type 2 Diabetes, Access Feb 2026
⁵ Hankosky, E.R., Schapiro, D., Gunn, K.B. et al. Gaps Remain for Achieving HbA1c Targets for People with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Using Insulin: Results from NHANES 2009–2020. Diabetes Ther 14, 967–975 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-023-01399-0
^6. Meneghini LF, Mauricio D, Orsi E, et al. The Diabetes Unmet Need with Basal Insulin Evaluation (DUNE) study in type 2 diabetes: Achieving HbA1c targets with basal insulin in a real‑world setting. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism. 2019. (12‑week, prospective, single‑arm observational study across 28 countries; 27–28% reached individualized A1C targets.)
⁷ Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. $217B based on internal T2D/basal insulin cost modeling.
⁸ Wilmot E. G. BMJ Open (2025). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-090154.
⁹ Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. Data based on the number of patients assigned to each manufacturer.
¹⁰ Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landmark-study-shows-libre-technology-helps-people-with-type-2-diabetes-on-basal-insulin-improve-glucose-management-302711766.html

SOURCE Abbott

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Abbott (ABT) report about the FreeDM2 trial results on March 12, 2026?

The trial showed a 0.6% greater HbA1c reduction at four months. According to Abbott, CGM users also spent about 2.5 more hours/day in the healthy 70–180 mg/dL range.

How large was the FreeDM2 study and who was included in the ABT trial?

FreeDM2 enrolled 303 participants across 24 U.K. sites with Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin. According to Abbott, many participants were also on SGLT2 or GLP‑1 therapies.

What clinical benefit did FreeStyle Libre CGM provide for ABT patients on basal insulin?

Direct answer: Improved glycemic control and more time in range. According to Abbott, participants used real-time readings to reduce HbA1c and increase healthy-range time by ~10.4%.

Did Abbott present confirming evidence beyond the FreeDM2 trial for ABT investors?

Yes. According to Abbott, an Italian interventional study of 88 adults showed similar improvements in average glucose, time in range, and quality of life after three months.

What investor implications does the FreeDM2 result have for ABT regarding market access?

The results strengthen the case for broader CGM reimbursement for basal-insulin users. According to Abbott, current coverage often excludes many people on basal insulin.

How durable are the FreeDM2 findings for ABT — what was the follow-up period?

Follow-up was short-term: four months in FreeDM2 and three months in the Italian study. According to Abbott, findings show early clinical benefit but longer studies are needed.