Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 achieves 7.9% MARD in glucose monitoring

Abbott Laboratories has announced that its FreeStyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance with a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of 7.9%. This figure represents a significant advancement in glucose monitoring accuracy for individuals with diabetes.

MARD is the standard metric used to measure the accuracy of CGM devices. A lower MARD value indicates greater precision, which is critical for effective diabetes management, particularly for those who rely on insulin. Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 is the first CGM to demonstrate a sub-8% MARD value.

"Accuracy is extremely important in diabetes management," said Shridhara Alva, senior director of clinical affairs for Abbott's diabetes care business. "For anyone managing their diabetes with insulin, the more accurate the sensor they are using to track their glucose, the better it is. If the sensor is inaccurate, misinformation could result in harm."

The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor sends readings directly to a smartphone every minute. Abbott highlights that the device is also the world's smallest and thinnest CGM sensor, featuring a Bluetooth range of up to 33 feet, aiming to provide a more convenient and reliable user experience.