Toronto, ON – April 27, 2020 – JDRF Canada, the leading global funder of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, welcomes Health Canada’s authorization under Interim order to use the FreeStyle® Libre System for hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The new authorization from Health Canada allows the Flash Glucose Monitor FreeStyle Libre system to be used by frontline healthcare workers in hospitals to remotely monitor patients’ glucose status to minimize exposure during COVID-19 and preserve the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
“It’s positive to see Health Canada acknowledging how critical advanced glucose monitoring technology can be in managing diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada. “Taking advantage of these virtual care opportunities is essential, especially during this time. Access to these devices will allow frontline healthcare workers to remotely monitor patients’ glucose status therefore decreasing their health risks and offering better care for Canadians living with diabetes.”
With a one-second scan using a reader or smartphone over the FreeStyle Libre sensor worn on the back of the upper arm, glucose readings are measured every minute and the user can get current glucose measurements, historical trends and patterns, and arrows showing where glucose levels are going without having to fingerstick. At the same time, physicians will receive glucose data and actionable information remotely to help make important treatment decisions through LibreView, a secure, cloud-based diabetes management system available at no cost to healthcare providers and users. Recent studies showed that users of the FreeStyle Libre system have improved glucose control, decreased time in hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia as well as reduced hospitalizations and HbA1C levels.
JDRF is working to make these devices accessible and affordable for all through the Access For All campaign. For more info jdrf.ca/accessforall.
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About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.ca.
Media contact
Arielle Nkongmeneck
National Bilingual Marketing and Communications Specialist
JDRF Canada
647.613.1277
ankongmeneck@jdrf.ca
